Penn Station East Coast Subs Reports Four New Restaurants, Franchise Growth in 2025

Penn Station East Coast Subs reported adding 4 new restaurants and selling 15 franchise units in 2025, expanding its presence into 2 new markets. The company marked its 40th anniversary during the year, operating more than 320 locations nationwide.

According to the company, Penn Station East Coast Subs achieved three consecutive quarters of positive growth in 2025. The system reported an increase in comparative same-store sales for seven of the last eight months of the year. The company stated that its systemwide sales outperformed the industry average during this period.

In 2025, Penn Station East Coast Subs launched a points-based loyalty program, Penn Station Rewards. The program was introduced as part of the company’s anniversary activities and is intended to increase digital engagement and customer retention.

The company also introduced a limited-time menu item, the Mega Cheesesteak, in partnership with Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take hosts and Virtual Dining Concepts. This collaboration was promoted nationally across Penn Station restaurants.

Penn Station East Coast Subs received several industry recognitions in 2025. The company was ranked No. 459 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500, No. 171 on Nation’s Restaurant News’ Technomic Top 500, and was inducted into QSR Magazine’s Best Franchise Deals Hall of Fame. Additional honors included No. 3 on USA TODAY’s list of Best Sandwich Shops in the Nation, Cincinnati’s Best Cheesesteak for the 15th consecutive year, No. 1 French Fries by CityBeat readers, and No. 36 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Franchise Business Review recognized the company in multiple categories, including Top Franchises for Culture, Top Recession-Resistant Franchises, Top Franchises Satisfaction Award, Most Profitable Franchises, and Top Food Franchises. Franchisee John Doyle received a Franchise Rock Star Award.

In September 2025, Penn Station East Coast Subs presented a $330,676 donation to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. The funds were raised through a round-up campaign in which guests rounded up their purchases, and the company matched a portion. With this contribution, the company’s total donations to Down Syndrome organizations surpassed $2 million. In October, restaurants participated in the Deals for Down Syndrome promotion, selling $5 booklets with all proceeds benefiting local Down Syndrome associations.

Looking ahead to 2026, Penn Station East Coast Subs stated its intention to continue franchise expansion and introduce further initiatives to support growth and customer engagement.