2014
4
$217,418
$35,000
$426,152
No
Cheesy Street Grill is revolutionizing the fast-casual dining scene with its gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and comfort foods. Founded in 2014 in Connecticut, the brand has quickly gained recognition for its high-quality ingredients, innovative menu, and efficient operations. With a growing presence across Massachusetts—including locations in Natick, Westborough, Hadley, and Wellesley—Cheesy Street Grill offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to invest in a proven, scalable food concept.
Proven Business Model: Cheesy Street Grill has demonstrated consistent growth and customer loyalty, making it a reliable investment opportunity.
Streamlined Operations: The brand's efficient kitchen setup and operational procedures minimize overhead and maximize profitability.
Diverse Revenue Streams: Franchisees can choose from brick-and-mortar locations, food trucks, and pop-up events, catering to various market needs.
Comprehensive Support: From site selection to marketing, Cheesy Street Grill provides extensive support to ensure franchisee success.
Cheesy Street Grill is a fast-casual dining franchise specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and comfort foods. Founded in 2014 by Lisa Dowd, the brand began as a food truck in Connecticut, offering delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and comfort foods to customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. The food truck catered to various events, including farmers' markets, country fairs, music festivals, charity events, weddings, and birthday and graduation parties.
In 2016, Cheesy Street Grill expanded its operations by opening two brick-and-mortar locations in Massachusetts, specifically at the Natick and Westborough Service Plazas on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). This expansion allowed the brand to serve a broader customer base and establish a physical presence in the fast-casual dining market.
Due to the growing demand from customers and the popularity of its offerings, Cheesy Street Grill began offering franchising opportunities. The brand offers multiple business models, including brick-and-mortar locations, mobile food trucks, and pop-up events, with an optional beer and wine add-on.
As of 2025, Cheesy Street Grill operates four locations in the United States, including both corporate-owned and franchised units. The brand is actively seeking franchise partners to expand its presence across the United States.
Site Selection Assistance: Franchisees receive help in identifying optimal locations for their business, ensuring high visibility and foot traffic.
Lease Negotiation Guidance: The team provides support during the leasing process, including reviewing terms and conditions to secure favorable agreements.
Blueprint Development: Assistance is offered in designing the layout of the restaurant to maximize efficiency and customer experience.
Permitting and Licensing: Franchisees are guided through the necessary steps to obtain required permits and licenses, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Comprehensive Training: Franchisees and their staff undergo an intensive training program covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including food preparation, customer service, and inventory management.
Operational Procedures: The training emphasizes streamlined operational procedures to maximize employee productivity, reduce labor costs, and control food expenses.
Menu Customization: Franchisees receive guidance on customizing the menu to cater to local tastes and preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Technology Integration: Training includes the use of point-of-sale systems and online ordering platforms to streamline operations and improve customer service.
Branding and Advertising: Franchisees benefit from established branding and advertising materials, ensuring consistent messaging and brand recognition.
Promotional Campaigns: Guidance is provided in planning and executing local promotional campaigns to attract customers and increase sales.
Digital Marketing: Support includes strategies for online marketing, including social media engagement and search engine optimization, to enhance online presence.
Continuous Communication: Franchisees have access to ongoing support through regular communication channels, including phone, email, and text, to address any operational challenges.
Operational Audits: Periodic audits are conducted to assess operational efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
Supply Chain Management: Assistance is provided in managing supply chains to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery of ingredients.
Staff Training Updates: Ongoing training sessions are offered to keep staff updated on new procedures, menu items, and customer service techniques.
Cheesy Street Grill seeks franchisees who are motivated, entrepreneurial, and passionate about delivering high-quality food experiences. The ideal franchisee profile includes several key traits, qualifications, and investment capabilities:
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Individuals who are self-motivated, goal-oriented, and interested in running a fast-casual dining business.
Hospitality or Retail Experience: Prior experience in restaurant management, food service, or retail operations is advantageous but not mandatory.
Leadership Skills: Ability to manage a team effectively, including hiring, training, and motivating staff.
Operational Competence: Understanding of basic business operations such as inventory management, cost control, and customer service.
Food Industry Enthusiasm: A strong interest in culinary arts, comfort foods, or the fast-casual dining segment.
Brand Alignment: Commitment to maintaining the quality, consistency, and standards of Cheesy Street Grill.
Customer Focus: Dedication to providing a positive dining experience and building a loyal customer base.
Financial Readiness: Ability to invest in the required startup costs (approximately $100,000–$200,000, depending on location and model).
Working Capital: Sufficient funds to cover initial operational expenses, staffing, and inventory before the business reaches break-even.
Risk Tolerance: Willingness to operate in a competitive food industry with fluctuating market trends.
High-Traffic Areas: Preference for locations such as service plazas, shopping malls, sports complexes, and community hubs with high foot traffic.
Community-Oriented: Interest in engaging with the local community through events, catering, and pop-ups.
Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to handle the fast-paced environment of the food service industry and adapt to market changes.
Strong Communication Skills: Capable of fostering a positive workplace culture and effectively interacting with customers.
Growth-Oriented: Interest in potentially owning multiple units and expanding the brand’s footprint.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Investment | $217,418 – $426,152 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Beer & Wine Add-On | Optional; additional costs range from $26,960 to $54,970 |
| Multiple Unit Discounts | Available for multi-unit development |
| Veteran & First Responder Discount | 10% off initial franchise fee |
