Established
1982
Franchise Units
68
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
Steak Escape Sandwich Grill is a well-established American fast-casual restaurant brand known for its premium grilled steak sandwiches, fresh ingredients, and made-to-order dining experience. Built around a simple yet powerful concept—serving high-quality steak sandwiches at speed—the brand has carved out a loyal customer base in malls, food courts, urban centers, and non-traditional locations across the United States.
Unlike generic sandwich chains, Steak Escape focuses heavily on authentic grilled steak, sliced fresh and cooked in front of customers. This open-grill approach enhances transparency, aroma appeal, and customer trust, while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality. The menu is intentionally streamlined, allowing franchisees to operate efficiently while still delivering bold flavors and consistent experiences.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in the Steak Escape Sandwich Grill franchise offers a balance of brand heritage, operational simplicity, and scalability. Key investment highlights include:
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Proven Concept with Longevity
With over four decades in operation, Steak Escape has demonstrated resilience through multiple economic cycles. -
Strong Product Differentiation
Freshly grilled steak sandwiches set the brand apart from typical cold-cut or quick-serve sandwich competitors. -
Efficient Operations
Limited menu complexity helps control food costs, staffing needs, and training time. -
Flexible Location Formats
Works well in food courts, inline retail, travel hubs, universities, and high-traffic urban locations. -
Growing Demand for Fast-Casual Dining
Consumers continue to favor brands that combine speed, freshness, and perceived quality. -
Scalable Multi-Unit Potential
Ideal for operators looking to expand across territories with repeatable systems.
Background
Established Year: 1982
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Founders: Milan “Mike” Husek
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurants / Sandwich & Grill Concepts
Steak Escape was founded in the early 1980s with a clear mission: to bring the flavor and authenticity of grilled steak sandwiches to a fast-casual environment. Starting in the Midwest, the brand gained early traction in shopping malls and high-traffic food courts, where its sizzling grills and freshly prepared sandwiches quickly attracted attention.
Over the years, Steak Escape evolved its menu, branding, and store design to meet changing consumer preferences while staying true to its core product. The company refined its franchising systems, standardized operations, and expanded into multiple U.S. markets.
Today, the brand maintains approximately 68+ active franchise units across the United States, supported by a centralized corporate team focused on franchise success, menu innovation, and brand consistency. Steak Escape continues to explore growth opportunities in both traditional and non-traditional locations nationwide.
Support Training
Steak Escape offers comprehensive support designed to guide franchisees from initial onboarding through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Lease review assistance and space planning
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Store layout, kitchen design, and equipment specifications
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
Training Programs
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Initial franchisee training covering operations, food preparation, food safety, and customer service
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Management and staff training modules
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Hands-on, in-store training prior to opening
Operational Support
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Standard operating procedures and manuals
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Inventory control and food cost management systems
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Ongoing operational audits and performance reviews
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and local marketing guidance
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Grand opening marketing strategies
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Digital marketing assets and promotional campaigns
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Menu innovation and seasonal promotions
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Continuous training updates
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Business coaching and performance benchmarking
Ideal Candidate
The Steak Escape Sandwich Grill franchise is best suited for entrepreneurs who value operational excellence and hands-on business management.
Ideal candidates typically include:
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First-time franchise owners seeking a proven system
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Multi-unit foodservice operators looking to diversify portfolios
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Owner-operators passionate about food quality and customer experience
Key attributes:
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Strong leadership and people-management skills
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Willingness to follow established systems and brand standards
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Financial capability to meet investment requirements
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Interest in operating in high-traffic retail or urban locations
While prior restaurant experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. Steak Escape’s structured training and support systems allow motivated entrepreneurs to succeed with the right mindset and commitment.
Financial Detail
| Cost Head | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $30,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $300,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Investment | Approx. $300,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $150,000 – $350,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & POS Systems | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Grand Opening & Initial Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Professional Fees & Licenses | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund Contribution | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 36 Months |
| Expected ROI Timeline | 2.5 – 4 Years |
| Typical Franchise Unit Size | 800 – 1,500 sq. ft. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Catering, Food Courts, Delivery |
