Start A Food Court Franchise With Charleys
Why Customers Love Charleys Philly Steaks
Since 1985, Charleys Philly Steaks has been serving up craveable cheesesteaks and classic comfort food made fresh and served fast. What started as a single sandwich shop has grown into a nationwide favorite with more than 890 locations and a loyal following built on flavor and friendliness. From a food court franchise to a standalone restaurant, Charleys gives guests an experience that’s simple, satisfying, and always centered around great food and genuine service.
For franchise owners, this translates to brand recognition that allows you to bring in guests from day one, along with a customer base that already knows and trusts the Charleys brand. Combined with our comprehensive training, marketing resources, and ongoing operational guidance, you’ll have the tools to build and manage your restaurant with confidence. From day-to-day operations to local outreach and promotional support, we’re committed to helping every franchise thrive in their community while maintaining the quality and consistency that Charleys is known for.
The Best Locations for a Charleys Franchise
We offer flexible business models designed to align with your goals, lifestyle, and market opportunities. The Charleys freestanding or traditional model operates as a standalone restaurant, offering our full menu and signature guest experience. This option is ideal for those who want to serve more people, establish a strong community presence, and showcase everything that makes Charleys a go-to destination for fresh, flavorful meals.
For entrepreneurs looking to integrate into existing retail areas, our inline or end cap model offers a smart way to grow. These locations fit seamlessly into shopping centers, retail developments, and multi-unit properties, placing your restaurant in the middle of high-traffic areas where people already love to gather. With strong visibility and convenient access, this model helps attract regular guests while benefiting from nearby businesses and steady daily foot traffic.
Our non-traditional franchise model expands opportunities even further by bringing Charleys into high-demand locations such as airports, college campuses, convenience stores, and major retailers like Walmart. Shopping malls are another strong fit for this format, making a food court franchise an excellent way to reach customers in a compact space with built-in demand. Positioned among busy shoppers and travelers ready to spend, this model allows you to maximize exposure while keeping operations efficient and your footprint smaller. Each format is built with flexibility in mind, giving you multiple paths to ownership and growth while maintaining the same quality and service that define Charleys Philly Steaks.
Support & Training to Help you Grow
When you join Charleys, you gain a trusted partner invested in your growth from day one. We begin by helping you select the ideal location, providing real estate guidance to ensure your restaurant is positioned for strong traffic and visibility. Our comprehensive training then equips you to run your restaurant confidently, covering everything from preparing our signature menu items to managing inventory, using our point-of-sale system, and delivering exceptional customer service. Even after opening, we continue to support you with marketing guidance, regular field visits, and professional development resources, giving you the tools and insight needed to operate efficiently and maintain the high standards that define the Charleys experience.
As we continue expanding in key markets across the country, we’re looking for franchise owners who bring strong leadership skills, community focus, and a passion for creating great guest experiences. Even without prior food service experience, driven entrepreneurs who value teamwork and consistency can thrive with Charleys. Backed by our proven systems and dedicated support team, you’ll have everything you need to build a business rooted in quality, efficiency, and genuine hospitality.
Bringing a Charleys Food Court Franchise to Your Community
The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is a dynamic, multi-billion-dollar market with strong growth projected for the years ahead. Today’s customers are looking for quick, high-quality meals that fit both their budget and busy lifestyle, and Charleys meets that demand head-on. We offer a menu of irresistible favorites, from cheesesteaks and wings to loaded fries and shakes, that brings guests back for that signature Charleys flavor. Combined with exciting promotions and new menu items, this creates a clear opportunity for franchise owners to tap into an established customer base and start strong from day one.
Ready to learn how Charleys can support you through franchise ownership? We invite you to visit our research pages for more information about our business models, startup costs, and our nationally-recognized brand. When you’re ready to get started, simply fill out the inquiry form here to connect with our franchise team and take the first step toward bringing a Charleys Philly Steaks restaurant to your community. Whether you’re considering a freestanding location or a high-traffic food court franchise, our team will guide you through the process and provide the support you need to tap into built-in customer demand and grow your business with confidence.
