Established
1992
Franchise Units
19
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks is a well-established American quick-service restaurant brand built around one simple promise: delivering an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak experience with consistency, speed, and bold flavor. Known for its East Coast roots and West Coast growth story, the brand has carved out a strong niche in the highly competitive fast-casual sandwich segment by focusing on quality ingredients, time-tested recipes, and an efficient operating model.
At a time when consumers are seeking crave-worthy comfort food that is both familiar and indulgent, Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks stands out with its made-to-order cheesesteaks, freshly baked rolls, premium sliced beef, and classic topping combinations. The concept resonates across demographics, from college students and working professionals to families and sports fans, making it a versatile and repeat-driven business.
For franchise investors in the USA, Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks represents an opportunity to own a recognizable brand with proven demand, strong unit-level economics, and a streamlined restaurant format that can thrive in high-traffic retail corridors, urban centers, and suburban markets alike.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks offers a compelling investment proposition for entrepreneurs seeking a food franchise with brand credibility and operational simplicity.
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Proven Consumer Appeal: Cheesesteaks remain a staple comfort food with nationwide demand, not limited to regional tastes.
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Focused Menu Strategy: A tightly curated menu helps control food costs, reduce waste, and speed up service times.
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Fast-Casual Advantage: Positioned between quick service and casual dining, the brand benefits from higher ticket sizes without the complexity of full-service restaurants.
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Strong Brand Identity: Authentic Philadelphia-style positioning creates trust and differentiation in crowded sandwich categories.
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Scalable Model: The concept is well suited for single-unit owners and multi-unit operators looking to grow across territories.
Background
- Established Year: 1992
- Founders: Founded by Philadelphia natives passionate about bringing real Philly cheesesteaks to the West Coast
- Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast-Casual Sandwich Franchise
- Franchise Active Units: 19+ locations across the United States
Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks was founded in 1998 with a clear mission: recreate the authentic taste and atmosphere of a Philadelphia cheesesteak shop outside of Pennsylvania. What began as a single location quickly gained traction for its commitment to traditional preparation methods and high-quality ingredients.
Over the years, the brand expanded primarily across the western United States, particularly California, building a loyal customer base and refining its franchising systems. Today, Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks operates dozens of locations across the USA, with a mix of franchised and company-owned units, demonstrating stable system-wide performance.
Support Training
Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks offers comprehensive franchise support designed to help owners launch confidently and operate efficiently.
Pre-Launch Support
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease review guidance, restaurant layout planning, and equipment specifications. The corporate team supports franchisees through the build-out phase to ensure compliance with brand standards.
Training Programs
New franchise owners and key managers undergo structured training covering food preparation, kitchen operations, customer service, inventory management, and staff supervision. Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on, in-store experience.
Operational Support
Ongoing operational guidance includes standardized recipes, operating manuals, supply chain coordination, and performance benchmarking. Franchisees benefit from systems designed to maintain quality while simplifying daily operations.
Marketing & Brand Support
Franchisees receive marketing toolkits, promotional calendars, and guidance on local store marketing initiatives. National and regional brand awareness efforts help drive traffic, while digital marketing support assists with online visibility and customer engagement.
Ongoing Assistance
Dedicated franchise support teams provide continuous coaching, operational audits, and business development advice, ensuring franchisees stay aligned with brand best practices.
Ideal Candidate
Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks is well suited for hands-on operators and investor-operators who value systems, brand consistency, and customer experience.
The ideal franchisee typically has:
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Experience in food service, retail, or multi-unit operations (preferred but not mandatory)
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Strong leadership and people-management skills
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A passion for hospitality and high-quality food
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The financial capacity to meet investment requirements
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A willingness to follow established systems and brand standards
Franchisees looking to develop multiple units within a defined territory or expand into non-traditional locations such as food courts and high-traffic retail centers may find additional growth opportunities within the system.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Details (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $300,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | Typically $300,000+ |
| Initial Franchise Fee | ~$30,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & POS Systems | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| Signage, Furniture & Fixtures | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Grand Opening & Local Marketing | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Ongoing percentage of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | Percentage contribution to system or regional marketing |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months (location dependent) |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, online ordering, third-party delivery, catering |