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Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise Cost, Fees & Opportunity

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USA

Established

1987

Franchise Units

640

dollar

Minimum Investment

$242,137

dollar

Franchise Fee

$24,500

dollar

Total Investment Range

$668,000

Home Based

No

Description

Founded in 1986, Charleys Philly Steaks is the world’s largest cheesesteak chain and continues to grow rapidly across the U.S. The brand started franchising in 1991 and has since expanded to more than 640 locations nationwide. Known for serving cheesesteaks made with 100% USDA choice steak and delivering exceptional customer service, Charleys Philly Steaks attracts franchise candidates who share the same commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. The franchise has earned recognition for its strong growth and dedicated franchisee support. Veterans receive a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee. The estimated initial investment required ranges from $242,137 to $668,000.


Background

Charley Shin was an undergraduate at The Ohio State University when he tasted his first Philly Cheesesteak. Convinced he could make it better, he used his savings and his mother’s support to open "Charley’s Steakery"—a tiny 450-square-foot space. The brand’s commitment to fresh ingredients and grilled-to-order service quickly turned it into a campus sensation.

By 2002, the brand evolved into Charley’s Grilled Subs to emphasize its fresh-grilled process, and later rebranded to Charleys Philly Steaks to solidify its category leadership. Today, under the leadership of the GNE Group, the brand has expanded its menu to include bone-in and boneless wings, further increasing the Average Unit Volume (AUV) for franchise owners.

  • Founded – 1986
  • First Franchise – 1991
  • Franchise active Units: 640
  • Founder: Charley Shin
  • Headquarters – Columbus, OH
  • Canada – No
  • International – No
  • B2B – No
  • Passive – No
  • Exclusive Territory – No
    • Industry Category: QSR / Fast-Casual Sandwich & Wings




    Support Training

    Charleys provides a "World-Class" support system that covers every phase of the business lifecycle.

    1. Pre-Launch Support

    • Real Estate & Site Selection: Expert assistance in analyzing foot traffic, demographics, and site viability.

    • Construction & Design: Guidance on restaurant layout, equipment installation, and interior branding to maximize workflow.

    2. Comprehensive Training

    • Foundational Education: New owners undergo extensive training. This includes approximately 2–3 weeks of classroom instruction in Columbus, OH, and 2–3 weeks of hands-on, on-the-job training at a certified training center.

    • Positions Certification: Training covers everything from the "Art of the Grill" to guest service standards and food safety sanitation.

    3. Ongoing Operational & Marketing Support

    • Field Business Consultants: Dedicated advisors visit locations to help optimize labor costs, food waste, and P&L performance.

    • National Brand Fund: Access to high-impact national marketing campaigns and professional digital assets.

    • Local Store Marketing (LSM): Tools and templates to help you engage with your specific community and drive local traffic through local events and digital outreach.


    Ideal Candidate

    Charleys looks for "quality-focused" entrepreneurs who are ready to build a legacy.

    • Business Experience: While restaurant experience is a plus, a strong background in management, operations, or corporate leadership is highly valued.

    • The "Hands-On" Mindset: The brand thrives with owner-operators or dedicated multi-unit managers who are passionate about guest experience and team culture.

    • Investment Capability: Candidates must meet the minimum liquid capital and net worth requirements to ensure the business is well-capitalized during the ramp-up phase.

    • Location Preference: Ideal candidates have a pulse on their local market, looking for high-traffic retail hubs, military bases, or transit centers.


    Financial Detail

    • Veterans Incentive – Yes; 50% off the franchise fee
    • Royalty Fee – 6%
    • Initial Franchise Fee – $24,500
    • Cash Requirement – $175,000
    • Net Worth Requirement – $500,000
    • Initial Investment – $242,137 to $668,000


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