Investing in sweat equity

Looking to add franchisees and reopen some shuttered sites, Quiznos is now willing to loan experienced restaurant managers all but $5,000 of the funds needed to acquire and run a sandwich shop.

According to the Denver-based sandwich chain, the startup loans issued through its new Operating Partner Program will be repaid—with interest—from the profit of restaurants operated by such partners. While working off their loans, participants will earn salaries and benefits and share in profit