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How To Open A Sandwich Shop Business With Charleys

The Process of Franchising with Charleys

Opening a sandwich shop business can be an exciting venture for entrepreneurs looking to enter the food industry. Learning how to open a sandwich shop business becomes streamlined and supported when partnering with Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings, where decades of experience have refined the franchise process to maximize potential for franchisees. If you’ve been wondering how to open a sandwich shop business effectively, this guide walks you through the comprehensive journey of becoming a Charleys franchise owner, from initial inquiry through grand opening and beyond.

The Journey to Owning Your Charleys Franchise

1. Initial Research and Inquiry

The first step in opening your sandwich shop with Charleys begins with thorough research into our brand’s competitive advantages. With over 35 years of experience, Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings has established a loyal customer base that consistently returns for our signature cheesesteaks, wings, and loaded fries. Our versatile business model offers multiple venue options—from mall locations to inline stores and endcaps—providing flexibility to match your investment goals and local market dynamics.

After exploring what makes Charleys a standout opportunity in the food industry, the next step is simple: submit an inquiry through our franchise website. Our dedicated franchise development team will promptly connect with you to provide comprehensive information about the opportunity, discuss your specific business objectives, and answer any preliminary questions you might have about joining the Charleys family.

2. Qualification Process

When you express initial interest in partnering with us, we begin by guiding you through a thorough qualification process to ensure a mutual fit between your goals and our brand standards. This phase involves a detailed review of your financial standing, including assessments of your net worth and liquid capital. We also evaluate your background experience to gauge your readiness to manage and grow a franchise.

Our discussions will cover your interest in specific markets and your plans for expansion, followed by a preliminary exploration of potential territories. This careful evaluation process is designed to ascertain whether there is potential for a thriving partnership with Charleys, setting the stage for both parties to engage confidently and effectively.

3. Discovery Day Experience

Next we invite you to join us for a Discovery Day, an engaging and informative event designed to provide a deep dive into the Charleys franchise experience. During this  event, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet our  leadership team, who are committed to supporting your business journey. You’ll gain firsthand insight into our operational systems, understand our comprehensive training and support structure, and experience the food preparation process up close.

This immersive experience is not only informative, but also crucial in helping you make an informed decision about joining the Charleys family. You’ll also have the chance to review detailed investment information and financial projections, ensuring you have a clear picture of what to expect and the growth opportunities available. Discovery Day is your gateway to fully understanding the thriving potential of operating a Charleys franchise.

how to open a sandwich shop business

4. Site Selection and Development

Once you’ve signed the franchise agreement, the exciting work of building your Charleys begins:

  • Work with our real estate team to select optimal locations in your market
  • Collaborate with our design team on store layout and equipment planning
  • Coordinate with contractors on buildout specifications
  • Navigate permits and licensing with expert guidance

Charleys provides detailed specifications and vendor relationships to streamline the construction process, typically taking 3-6 months depending on location type and local regulations.

5. Comprehensive Training Program

As you gear up for the grand opening of your franchise, you’ll be immersed in a comprehensive training program designed to set you up for a thriving start. Our program includes three intensive weeks at Charleys University, where you’ll dive deep into the essentials of operations, food preparation, and management. This foundational training equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to run your franchise smoothly and efficiently.

In addition to the structured classroom learning, you’ll receive hands-on training right at your location, guided by experienced trainers who ensure you master the art of making our signature cheesesteaks and wings. We also provide a suite of digital learning modules that cover all other aspects of the business. This combination of on-site and digital training prepares you and your team to provide the authentic Charleys experience that our customers have come to love and expect.

6. Grand Opening and Ongoing Support

Opening a Charleys franchise is only the beginning of an exciting and supportive journey. As you prepare for your grand opening, you’ll benefit from dedicated marketing assistance designed to maximize visibility and attract customers from day one. The support extends beyond the launch, with regular visits from our regional operations team to help maintain quality standards and ensure your franchise is running smoothly.

As you settle into the rhythm of daily operations, Charleys continues to provide a robust support network. You’ll receive ongoing training for new team members, keeping your staff skilled and informed. Additionally, we keep our franchise partners at the forefront of the industry with regular updates on menu innovations and operational improvements. Access to our proprietary management systems further empowers you to manage your business efficiently, ensuring you’re well-equipped to thrive in a competitive market.

Start Your Sandwich Shop Business with Charleys Today

Opening a sandwich shop business with Charleys combines the independence of entrepreneurship with the security of a proven system. Our development team works alongside you from initial inquiry through grand opening and beyond, ensuring you have the tools, training, and support needed to thrive.

Ready to learn more about how to open a sandwich shop business with Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings? Visit our research pages here. Take the first step toward building your sandwich empire with a brand that’s creating raving fans across the globe with a simple inquiry here. We look forward to hearing from you!