# Next-Generation Sandwich Franchises TOGO'S Sandwiches Taps Franchise FastLane's CarPool Program By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-06-23 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/togos-sandwiches References: [franchising](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260622_built_for_the_future_of_fast_casual_togos_sandwiches_taps_franchise_fastlan.html)  TOGO'S Sandwiches, a West Coast sandwich chain founded in 1971 with over 170 locations open or under development across five states, has partnered with [Franchise FastLane's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/development-program) CarPool program to accelerate the expansion of its next-generation 3.0 concept. TOGO'S Sandwiches features a modernized restaurant experience designed for efficiency and growth. The 3.0 model incorporates a pay-first operating platform that integrates with third-party delivery services, self-service kiosks for in-store ordering to reduce wait times, and a combi oven that has enabled the introduction of a [new hot sandwich menu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-sandwich). All of this is presented within a refreshed contemporary interior. TOGO'S Sandwiches' updated format has reportedly generated higher average unit volumes compared to older locations and utilizes a streamlined three-position training model to expedite staff onboarding. TOGO'S leadership selected Franchise FastLane for its proven methodology and broker-sourced lead generation, with the partnership ensuring that prospective franchisees receive comprehensive information and support throughout the discovery and decision-making process. Image Credit: TOGO'S Sandwiches ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 82% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Pay-first Restaurant Models:** Pay-first layouts combine ordering, payment, and delivery integrations into leaner service flows, creating potential for smaller footprints and higher throughput in fast-casual franchises. - **Kiosk-enabled Ordering:** Kiosk-enabled ordering reduces front-counter dependency while producing customer data that can reshape menu design, labor planning, and localized promotions. - **Accelerated Franchise Pipelines:** Accelerated franchise pipelines pair broker-sourced leads with structured discovery support, signaling a more data-driven model for scaling regional restaurant concepts. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Casual Dining:** Modern sandwich concepts are blending speed, customization, and hot-menu expansion, opening space for differentiated formats that compete beyond traditional lunch occasions. - **Restaurant Technology:** Integrated POS, self-service kiosks, and delivery connectivity are turning operational software into a core growth engine for multi-unit food brands. - **Franchise Development:** Specialized franchise sales programs are professionalizing candidate education and lead generation, allowing emerging brands to expand with greater consistency. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wellness-Focused Menu Changes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ozempic-era-menu.md) - [Health-Focused QSR Breakfast Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breakfast-menus.md) - [Pizza Brand Toasted Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oventoasted-sandwiches.md) - [Unified Drive‑Thru Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toast-drive-thru-platform.md) - [Canadian Cafe Brand Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodtastic-and-inspired-brands.md) - [Picnic-Ready Premade Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spar-food-to-go-range.md) - [Granola-Focused Restaurant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-granola-bar.md) - [Fast-Casual Expansion Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blitz-franchise.md) - [Double Drive-Thru Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/double-drive-thru-restaurants.md)