i tried to convince my mother to spend her college funds for my brother on starting one of those franchises and having my brother manage it as a college edu but she said no.... and then they opened in our town. Big money makers those three.
Basically, stuff I've seen in the midwest 5-10 years ago is now coming into the northeast. and probably the west too (but I wouldn't know).
if anything... i'd say spend the money to travel to OH/MI and see what people like before you make a decisions. 1-2k for a vacation and you get to see what people like around the country. see where the chains are spreading. that small amount of travel expense will make or save you more than i can say.
ps.. ohio's where they do all their food testing i think.
http://www.jimmyjohns.com/ is always good. everyone INSISTED we stop there when we were near one. they're midwestern too