Great Steak Opportunity

See Cities,

USA & CAN

Established

1982

Franchise Units

100

Minimum Investment

$150,900

Franchise Fee

$30,000

Total Investment Range

$500,500

Home Based

Description

For over four decades, Great Steak has been delighting customers across America with authentic, made-to-order cheesesteaks, grilled sandwiches, and premium fries that capture the true taste of Philadelphia. Founded with a passion for serving fresh, high-quality meals with a focus on flavor and simplicity, Great Steak has become one of the most recognizable names in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and sandwich franchise category. With a proven business model, comprehensive franchise support, and a growing demand for comfort food with authentic flavors, the Great Steak franchise offers aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to join a trusted American brand.

From bustling shopping centers to food courts and standalone locations, Great Steak combines operational efficiency with a classic dining experience. Its customizable menu, consistent food quality, and efficient service make it a profitable and scalable investment opportunity. Backed by Kahala Brands, one of the largest franchise groups in the food industry, Great Steak franchisees benefit from unmatched support, national marketing power, and a streamlined operational system designed for growth and long-term success.

Why Invest in the Great Steak Franchise?

Investing in a Great Steak franchise means joining a time-tested brand that balances tradition with innovation. Here’s why it stands out in the competitive QSR market:

Proven Legacy: Since 1982, Great Steak has been synonymous with authentic cheesesteak sandwiches that never compromise on taste or quality.
Simple Operations: The franchise model focuses on efficiency, minimal waste, and easy-to-train processes—ideal for both new and experienced entrepreneurs.
Backed by Kahala Brands: As part of one of the largest global franchise groups (home to brands like Cold Stone Creamery and Blimpie), franchisees gain access to world-class systems, supply chains, and marketing expertise.
High Demand Menu: Cheesesteaks and fresh-grilled sandwiches continue to attract steady traffic throughout the year, driven by America’s love for hearty, comfort-based fast-casual food.
Flexible Location Options: The franchise adapts well to mall food courts, strip centers, or inline spaces, optimizing costs while maintaining visibility.
Comprehensive Training & Support: From site selection to grand opening and beyond, Great Steak provides continuous operational, marketing, and performance support.

Background

Established Year: 1982
Founder: Nicholas Papanier Sr.
Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
Current Franchise Units: Over 100+ locations across the United States
Industry Category: Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast Casual / Cheesesteak and Grilled Sandwich Franchise
Parent Company: Kahala Brands (one of the largest multi-brand franchisors in the world)

The Great Steak story began in Dayton, Ohio, in 1982, when Nicholas Papanier Sr. set out to bring the authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak experience to communities across the country. What started as a small local sandwich shop quickly became known for its high-quality, freshly grilled cheesesteaks, made from premium cuts of sirloin steak, real cheese, and baked-fresh rolls. Customers loved the made-to-order approach—each sandwich prepared right in front of them on the grill, ensuring freshness and flavor in every bite.

As the concept gained popularity, Great Steak began franchising to meet the growing demand for authentic cheesesteaks and hearty, American-style grilled meals. The brand’s expansion was driven by its strong value proposition: great taste, fast service, and a simple, profitable operational model.

In the 2000s, Great Steak was acquired by Kahala Brands, a powerhouse franchising company that owns more than 30 global food and beverage brands, including Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie, and Pinkberry. Under Kahala’s ownership, Great Steak has continued to grow strategically, benefiting from shared marketing expertise, supply chain partnerships, and comprehensive franchise development systems.

Today, Great Steak operates across malls, airports, universities, and urban centers, offering franchisees the flexibility to choose from inline or food court models. Despite being part of a large franchise network, the brand maintains its core identity — a commitment to serving fresh, satisfying cheesesteaks and grilled sandwiches made the traditional way.

Great Steak’s continued success lies in its ability to blend heritage with innovation. While the brand remains loyal to its original menu favorites, it also adapts to evolving consumer preferences with offerings like seasoned fries, baked potatoes, and combo meals that increase ticket size and repeat traffic.

With over four decades of experience, strong operational systems, and nationwide recognition, Great Steak stands as one of America’s most trusted and enduring cheesesteak franchises—a perfect blend of tradition, quality, and modern franchising excellence.

Support Training

One of the key reasons behind Great Steak’s long-standing success is its comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees thrive from day one. Franchise owners benefit from a robust set of pre-launch, operational, and ongoing assistance programs, including:

Pre-Opening Support:

Site Selection Assistance: Guidance on choosing high-traffic locations that align with the brand’s proven site profile.
Store Design & Construction: Access to approved layouts, design guidelines, and vendor partnerships for smooth setup and buildout.
Franchise Orientation: Introduction to the brand culture, menu, and operational systems.

Comprehensive Training Program:

In-Person Training: Hands-on instruction at a certified Great Steak training store covering food preparation, equipment use, safety standards, and customer service.
Management Training: Focused modules on hiring, inventory management, labor cost control, and operational efficiency.
Technology Training: Support in using POS systems, digital marketing tools, and performance dashboards.

Marketing & Launch Support:

Grand Opening Marketing: Guidance on local promotions, social media engagement, and community awareness campaigns.
National Marketing: Access to Kahala Brands’ marketing resources, digital advertising, PR, and seasonal campaigns.
Ongoing Support: Regular operational reviews, new menu rollouts, and refresher training sessions to ensure consistent quality and profitability.

This structured support ecosystem ensures that even first-time restaurant owners can confidently launch and manage their franchise while maintaining the brand’s reputation for excellence.

Ideal Candidate

Great Steak is seeking motivated entrepreneurs who are passionate about food, customer service, and business growth. The ideal franchisee is not necessarily a chef but someone with the drive to manage a fast-paced food business and deliver great experiences every day.

Ideal Candidate Traits:

Strong leadership and team management skills
Passion for hospitality and customer satisfaction
Basic business, retail, or restaurant management experience preferred
Ability to follow structured systems and maintain quality standards
Willingness to be actively involved in daily operations, especially in the early phase
Financial capability to support initial investment and working capital needs

Investment Capability:
Candidates should have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid capital of at least $100,000.

Location Preference:
Ideal franchise locations include shopping malls, food courts, high-traffic retail centers, and urban downtown areas with steady lunch and dinner crowds.

If you’re seeking a scalable, established food concept with corporate backing and nationwide recognition, Great Steak is a smart and flavorful investment choice.

Financial Detail

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD)
Total Initial Investment	$150,900 – $500,500
Minimum Investment Required	$150,000
Franchise Fee	$30,000
Royalty Fee	6% of gross sales
Marketing/Ad Fund Fee	2% of gross sales
Working Capital	$15,000 – $30,000
Equipment & Buildout	$75,000 – $200,000
Leasehold Improvements	$25,000 – $100,000
Initial Inventory & Supplies	$5,000 – $10,000
Training & Travel Expenses	$2,500 – $5,000
Grand Opening Marketing	$3,000 – $5,000
Expected ROI	15% – 25% annually
Break-Even Period	18 – 36 months
Potential Revenue Streams	In-store sales, catering, take-out, and delivery services

These numbers are approximate and may vary based on location size, regional construction costs, and local market factors.

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