Friday, September 19, 2014, 11:46am
A Which Wich Superior Sandwiches shop will open the first week in November at Assembly Row in Somerville, and could serve as a springboard to a planned expansion bringing up to 50 locations to Greater Boston in the next few years.
“Boston is going to be a big focus for us long-term,” said Jeff Vickers, senior vice president of development for the Dallas-based chain. “We’re critical about where we put locations, so we don’t dilute the brand.”
Shops are known for their unusual ordering procedures: customers check off their choice of more than 60 ingredients on paper bags to customize the seven- to 14-inch subs. Prices start at $5.75, and the menu ranges from vegan options to “The Wicked,” its signature sandwich, piled with five meats and three cheeses.
Founded in 2003 in Dallas, the company signed its first franchises in 2005 and now has 307 locations in 38 states and overseas. Agreements are in place for another 250 stores.
Stores are typically 1,600 square feet and have at least 50 seats, Vickers said, with an industrial decor theme.
The company is recruiting experienced multi-unit franchisees for approximately 50 locations in Greater Boston, including non-traditional locations such as transit facilities and college campuses. The franchise fee is $30,000 for the first store and $25,000 for subsequent units.
Which Wich was founded by Jeff Sinelli, who earlier started the Genghis Grill Mongolian stir-fry chain before selling it in 2003 to a group of franchisees.