Deli Delicious, San Jose

Since starting out as a family-owned deli nearly 20 years ago, Deli Delicious has expanded to 27 California locations from Los Angeles to Sacramento. But the growth hasn't gone to the franchise's head: each shop has three types of fresh-baked bread, marinates and grills its steak and chicken in-house for hot sandwiches, and treats guests "like they are family visiting our home."

Those guests can order from an award-winning menu of hot and cold subs, as well as specialty creations. The vegetarian, for example, piles avocado, cucumber, sprouts, provolone, and cream cheese onto a meat-free sandwich, whereas a ham sub comes layered with bacon and Swiss. Of course, customers can also build their own sandwiches in various sizes, such as the large 12-inch sub.