Start A Cheesesteak Business With Charleys
Why Start a Cheesesteak Business with Charleys Philly Steaks
Are you passionate about food service and dreaming of owning your own restaurant? If you’ve ever considered entering the thriving quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, starting a cheesesteak business with Charleys Philly Steaks presents an exceptional opportunity. With nearly 890 locations worldwide and more than 35 years of operational excellence, Charleys has established itself as the world’s largest cheesesteak franchise and continues to expand rapidly.
Why a Cheesesteak Business Is a Solid Investment
The QSR market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth, with the cheesesteak segment showing particularly strong performance. The global fast food market is valued at over a trillion dollars, according to IBISWorld, representing a highly in-demand market. Within this expanding market, specialized concepts like Charleys Philly Steaks have carved out niches by focusing on premium, made-to-order products that consumers crave.
Cheesesteaks represent an ideal menu centerpiece because they combine universal appeal, premium positioning, and operational simplicity. The classic Philadelphia cheesesteak has evolved from a regional favorite to a national staple, with demand continuing to grow across diverse demographics and markets.
The Charleys Philly Steaks Advantage
When considering how to start a cheesesteak business, partnering with an established franchise offers significant advantages over launching an independent operation. Charleys Philly Steaks provides franchisees with:
Proven Business Model: With a history dating back to 1986, Charleys has refined our operational systems to maximize efficiency. Our time-tested model eliminates much of the guesswork associated with new business ventures, providing a clear roadmap for growth.
Brand Recognition and Marketing Support: The Charleys brand enjoys strong recognition among consumers, immediately establishing credibility for new locations. Franchisees benefit from national and local marketing initiatives, digital advertising strategies, and promotional campaigns designed to drive traffic and build customer loyalty.
Comprehensive Training and Support: New franchisees receive thorough training at our headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, covering all aspects of restaurant operation, from food preparation to business management. Our field support teams provide ongoing assistance to ensure consistency and quality across all locations.
Supply Chain Advantages: Our established relationships with suppliers ensure franchisees receive quality ingredients at competitive prices, with reliable delivery even during supply chain disruptions. This network represents decades of refinement and negotiation that would be nearly impossible for an independent operator to replicate.
Real Estate and Construction Assistance: Our development team assists with site selection, lease negotiation, and construction management, ensuring that new locations meet our specifications while optimizing visibility and accessibility.
Location Options for Your Cheesesteak Business
Charleys Philly Steaks offers multiple format options to suit different investment levels and market opportunities:
- Mall Food Courts: Our traditional format with lower initial investment and proven performance in high-traffic retail environments.
- Inline Stores: Standalone or strip mall locations with additional menu options, including our popular chicken wings.
- Non-Traditional Venues: Airports, military bases, universities, and other specialized locations with captive audiences.
Things to Consider When Starting a Cheesesteak Business with Charleys
Initial Investment Requirements
Starting a Charleys franchise typically requires an initial investment between $203,736 – $984,732, depending on the format and location. This includes the initial Franchise Fee, equipment, leasehold improvements, and initial inventory. Qualified candidates should have liquid assets of at least $175,000 and a net worth of $500,000.
Ongoing Fees and Royalties
Franchisees pay a royalty fee of 6% of gross sales and contribute 1% to the national marketing fund. These investments support the continued growth of the brand and provide franchisees with essential ongoing services and support.
Operational Commitment
While prior restaurant experience is preferred, it’s not a hard requirement, thriving franchisees demonstrate strong business acumen, management skills, commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to customer service. Many of our most satisfied owners maintain active involvement in their locations, particularly during the crucial first year of operation.
Territory and Growth Potential
Charleys continues to identify prime markets for expansion across the United States and internationally. Multi-unit development opportunities are available for qualified investors seeking to build a portfolio of locations within defined territories.
Join the Charleys Franchise Family
With strong unit economics, a superior product, and a passionate leadership team committed to franchisee satisfaction, Charleys Philly Steaks represents an exceptional opportunity to own a cheesesteak business. Our systematic approach to growth has created success stories across diverse markets, and we continue to innovate to maintain our competitive edge.
Ready to explore how you can build your future with the world’s largest cheesesteak franchise? Visit our research pages here to learn more, or fill out our form here to start a conversation with our franchise team. We look forward to hearing from you!
