Established
2010
Franchise Units
30
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Lefty’s Cheesesteak has become one of America’s most recognizable emerging fast-casual brands, winning over loyal fans with its bold flavors, generous portions, and a menu built around crave-worthy cheesesteaks and premium sandwiches. Known for its upbeat personality and distinct Detroit roots, Lefty’s has quickly evolved from a local neighborhood favorite into a nationally expanding franchise concept with strong brand momentum.
What sets Lefty’s apart is its unapologetically indulgent approach to comfort food—made fresh, made fast, and made with quality ingredients. From handcrafted cheesesteaks to loaded fries and signature sandwiches, the brand has carved out a unique position in the competitive QSR landscape. With strong consumer demand, social media buzz, and a scalable operational model, Lefty’s Cheesesteak is attracting entrepreneurs who want to build a thriving food business backed by a brand with personality, culture, and long-term potential.
As the fast-casual restaurant industry continues to grow, Lefty’s stands out as a high-impact, memorable, and culturally relevant franchise concept that appeals to diverse markets across the USA.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in Lefty’s Cheesesteak gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to join a nationally recognized brand with strong consumer appeal and an efficient, profitable format. The franchise offers:
✔ A proven business model that prioritizes speed, simplicity, and consistency.
✔ Strong brand awareness thanks to bold marketing, celebrity endorsements, and viral social engagement.
✔ A differentiated menu featuring high-margin items like cheesesteaks, subs, burgers, and loaded fries.
✔ Scalable layouts suited for inline stores, endcaps, food courts, and high-traffic urban locations.
✔ Comprehensive training & support that helps new franchisees launch successfully and grow confidently.
✔ A growing market segment as Americans continue to seek out comfort food and premium fast-casual options.
Background
Established Year: 2010
Founded By: Sam Berry
Headquarters: Michigan, USA
Industry Category: Fast Casual / Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR)
Current Franchise Active Units: Approximately 30+ locations across Michigan and other states (varies as expansion continues)
Lefty’s Cheesesteak began as a single neighborhood restaurant founded by Detroit entrepreneur Sam Berry, who envisioned a bold, upbeat concept that delivered memorable flavors and fast, friendly service. The early success of the original location quickly sparked local demand, leading to rapid expansion and the development of a franchise program to meet national interest.
Over the years, Lefty’s has grown into a dynamic multi-unit brand with a strong Midwest footprint and a growing presence across the USA. Its trendy brand voice, distinctive red-and-black identity, and high-energy marketing campaigns have positioned it as one of the most exciting emerging foodservice franchises.
Today, the franchise is recognized for its operational simplicity, strong food quality, and widely appealing menu—making it an attractive investment for entrepreneurs nationwide.
Support Training
Lefty’s Cheesesteak offers a robust franchise support system designed to help new owners succeed from day one. The franchise provides:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection assistance and demographic analysis
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Lease negotiation guidance
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Store layout, design, and architectural planning
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Pre-opening marketing strategy
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Vendor onboarding and supply chain setup
Operational Training
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In-depth, hands-on training at certified Lefty’s locations
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Instruction on food preparation, inventory management, scheduling, safety, and guest experience
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Management training for owners and team leads
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Efficient operating systems to streamline labor and improve service speed
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing campaigns
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Digital advertising templates and social media support
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Local store marketing guidance
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Grand opening promotions
Ongoing Support
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Field support and performance coaching
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Continuous menu innovation
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Operational audits and business reviews
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Access to franchisee community, knowledge base, and updated training materials
Lefty’s provides a supportive ecosystem where franchisees gain the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to operate confidently and profitably.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchise partner for Lefty’s Cheesesteak is someone who:
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Has a passion for hospitality, foodservice, and building great customer experiences
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Brings previous business or restaurant management experience (preferred but not mandatory)
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Is committed to hands-on involvement, especially during the early stages
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Can build and lead a team in a fast-paced environment
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Has strong financial capabilities and operational discipline
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Is motivated to grow into a multi-unit owner
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Prefers locations in high-traffic urban centers, suburban hubs, or near colleges, entertainment venues, and business districts
Lefty’s is best suited for entrepreneurs who want to join a vibrant, high-energy brand with significant growth upside in the fast-casual sector.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Approx. $250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund Fee | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure Cost | $150,000 – $350,000 |
| Equipment & Kitchen Setup | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital Requirement | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Expected ROI Timeline | 18 – 36 Months |
| Break-Even Point | 12 – 24 Months |
| Franchise Units | ~30+ Units (Growing Nationally) |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Multi-Unit Development |