2014
7
$150,000
$30,000
$450,000
No
Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks is redefining the fast-casual dining experience with its authentic Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks, loaded fries, and crave-worthy comfort food that keeps guests coming back for more. With a strong presence in the United States, Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks has built a reputation as a go-to destination for delicious, made-to-order meals served with speed, quality, and a hometown feel. The brand stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation—honoring the classic cheesesteak roots while elevating the menu with creative twists and premium ingredients.
In today’s booming fast-casual restaurant industry, Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks is well-positioned to capture a growing consumer base that values affordability, flavor, and convenience. The franchise is expanding across the country, offering passionate entrepreneurs the chance to join a proven concept with massive growth potential in the competitive food service sector.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Proven Concept: Cheesesteaks are an American comfort food staple with wide appeal across demographics.
High-Demand Menu: A versatile menu featuring cheesesteaks, fries, and handheld favorites ensures high repeat business.
Strong Branding: Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks has cultivated a loyal following through its flavorful offerings, quality service, and community-driven brand presence.
Fast-Casual Growth: The U.S. fast-casual restaurant industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, making this franchise a smart, future-proof investment.
Scalable Model: Designed for efficiency and customer volume, Chiddy’s offers an adaptable format for various markets, from urban centers to suburban hubs.
Chiddy’s CheeseSteaks was founded in 2014 on Long Island, New York, beginning its journey as a humble food truck serving authentic Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks with a modern twist. The brand quickly gained recognition for its mouthwatering cheesesteaks, loaded fries, and comfort food staples that appealed to families, students, and working professionals alike.
The original founder, Michael “Chiddy” Chidester, left a successful corporate career with top companies like Coca-Cola and IBM to pursue his passion for food and entrepreneurship. His vision was to create a fun, casual dining experience where quality ingredients and friendly service would set the brand apart. Soon after, business partners Evan Deitch and Daron Benbenisti joined the leadership team, helping scale the business and refine its franchise model.
From one food truck, Chiddy’s evolved into a multi-unit brand with:
Five restaurant locations across Long Island and Queens, New York.
Two operating food trucks serving corporate events, catering, and festivals.
A growing franchise expansion program targeting the Tri-State area and beyond.
Chiddy’s CheeseSteaks is privately owned and operated with a franchise-driven growth strategy, making it accessible for entrepreneurs who want to invest in the fast-casual restaurant industry—a sector that continues to outperform traditional QSRs due to consumer demand for flavorful, fresh, and affordable food.
The brand sits firmly in the Quick-Service/Fast-Casual Dining industry category, specializing in American comfort food with a signature focus on cheesesteaks. With its proven concept, strong customer following, and adaptable operating model, Chiddy’s is carving out a solid presence in the competitive U.S. food service market.
Chiddy’s continues to balance its roots in quality and authenticity with an eye toward innovation and scalability, positioning itself as a franchise concept that can thrive in suburban neighborhoods, urban centers, and high-traffic community spaces nationwide.
Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks ensures franchisees are never alone in their business journey. A comprehensive support system covers every stage of ownership:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, store design, build-out guidance, supplier agreements, and operational setup.
Initial Training: A thorough program for owners and staff covering food preparation, service standards, customer experience, and restaurant management.
Marketing Support: National and regional marketing campaigns, digital presence strategies, and local store marketing tools to drive traffic and sales.
Operational Support: Proven operational manuals, POS system training, and vendor partnerships to streamline processes.
Ongoing Support: Regular field visits, refresher training, updated menu innovations, and continuous access to the franchisor’s resources and guidance.
This level of training and mentorship ensures franchisees can operate with confidence, efficiency, and long-term profitability.
Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks seeks ambitious entrepreneurs with the drive to grow alongside a thriving brand. The ideal franchisee:
Business Background: Prior experience in food service, hospitality, or retail is helpful but not mandatory; strong leadership and management skills are key.
Passion: A love for serving delicious food and engaging with the community.
Investment Capability: Ability to meet the financial requirements, including franchise fees, build-out, and operational costs.
Mindset: Entrepreneurial spirit with a willingness to follow a proven system while maintaining a customer-first approach.
Location Preference: Ideal in high-traffic areas like urban centers, near universities, entertainment districts, and family-oriented neighborhoods.
This franchise is ideal for individuals, multi-unit operators, or investors seeking a scalable, high-demand food concept.
| Financial Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $150,000 – $450,000 | Includes all startup costs (build-out, equipment, fees, working capital). |
| Minimum Investment | $150,000+ | Required to qualify as a franchisee. |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 | One-time fee for brand rights, training, and onboarding. |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of gross sales | Paid monthly to franchisor for ongoing support and system use. |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 2% – 3% of gross sales | Contribution to national/regional marketing campaigns. |
| Local Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 | Recommended for grand opening and first-year promotions. |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out | $75,000 – $200,000 | Leasehold improvements, design, furniture, signage, and permits. |
| Equipment & Kitchen Setup | $40,000 – $80,000 | Includes grills, fryers, refrigeration, prep stations, POS system. |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $50,000 | Recommended for initial operating expenses (first 3–6 months). |
| Franchise Units (Current) | ~5 restaurants + 2 trucks | Based in New York (Long Island & Queens), with expansion in Tri-State. |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 20%+ annually | Depending on location, management, and sales performance. |
| Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months | Typical timeframe for recovering startup investment. |
| Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, delivery, catering, food trucks | Multiple channels for income growth. |
