Established
2009
Franchise Units
30
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$700,000
Home Based
No
Description
When comfort food meets bold creativity, you get Tom & Chee—a fast-casual restaurant concept that reimagines the classic grilled cheese sandwich for today’s consumer. Known for its gourmet melts, crave-worthy tomato soup, and viral donut grilled cheese creations, Tom & Chee has carved out a distinctive niche in the competitive U.S. fast-casual dining industry.
This is not just another sandwich shop. Tom & Chee blends nostalgia with innovation, offering handcrafted grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh salads, hearty soups, and customizable options that appeal to families, students, office professionals, and foodies alike. The brand’s approachable pricing, streamlined operations, and strong visual identity make it well-positioned in high-traffic retail corridors, lifestyle centers, downtown districts, and suburban growth markets.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
1. Strong Brand Identity
Tom & Chee has built national awareness through media exposure, viral menu innovation, and strong community engagement. The brand is fun, memorable, and easily marketable.
2. High-Demand Food Category
Grilled cheese and comfort foods have universal appeal. The menu combines familiarity with premium ingredients, allowing operators to capture both value-driven and quality-focused consumers.
3. Operational Simplicity
Compared to full-service restaurants, Tom & Chee operates within a streamlined fast-casual model. Limited kitchen complexity reduces labor intensity and enhances consistency.
4. Flexible Footprint Options
The concept adapts well to inline spaces, end-caps, lifestyle centers, and non-traditional venues. This flexibility helps franchisees enter diverse markets.
5. Multi-Unit Growth Potential
Entrepreneurs looking to scale can leverage brand systems and operational playbooks to develop multiple territories across growing U.S. regions.
Background
Established Year: 2009
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Founders: Corey Ward & Trew Quackenbush
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant / Sandwich Franchise
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Franchise Active Units: 30+ locations across the United States (approximate)
Tom & Chee was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, by entrepreneurs Corey Ward and Trew Quackenbush. What started as a tent at a local festival quickly evolved into a brick-and-mortar concept driven by strong demand for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with creative flair.
The brand gained national attention after appearing on a popular entrepreneurial television show, where it secured an investment that accelerated growth and positioned the company as a recognized name in the fast-casual dining segment.
Over the years, the brand has refined its menu, strengthened operational systems, and expanded into multiple states. Tom & Chee operates in the fast-casual industry—one of the most resilient segments in foodservice—benefiting from consistent consumer demand for quick, quality-driven meals without full-service pricing.
Support Training
Tom & Chee provides a comprehensive franchise support structure designed to guide new owners from site selection to grand opening—and beyond.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Lease negotiation assistance
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Store design and layout planning
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Construction coordination support
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Equipment sourcing recommendations
Initial Training
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In-depth operational training for owners and managers
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Kitchen procedures and food preparation systems
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POS system training
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Inventory management and supplier coordination
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Customer service and brand standards training
Training is typically conducted at a certified training location and may include on-site opening assistance to ensure a smooth launch.
Marketing Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy
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National and regional marketing campaigns
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Social media guidance and brand assets
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Local store marketing playbooks
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Promotional calendar support
Ongoing Operational Support
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Field support visits
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Performance benchmarking
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Menu innovation updates
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Vendor partnerships
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Continuous operational improvement programs
Ideal Candidate
Tom & Chee seeks franchise partners who combine strong business discipline with genuine enthusiasm for hospitality.
Preferred Qualities:
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Entrepreneurial mindset
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Strong leadership and team-building skills
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Customer-focused attitude
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Financial capability to invest and expand
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Commitment to maintaining brand standards
While restaurant experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. The brand welcomes both first-time franchisees with management backgrounds and experienced multi-unit operators seeking portfolio expansion.
Investment Readiness:
Prospective franchisees should have sufficient liquid capital and net worth to comfortably meet investment requirements and support operations during the initial growth phase.
Location Preferences:
Ideal markets include high-traffic retail zones, suburban growth areas, college towns, and mixed-use developments across the United States.
Financial Detail
| Investment Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $350,000 – $700,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Signage & Interior Décor | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| POS System & Technology | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Professional Fees (Legal, Licensing) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Insurance | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Working Capital (3 Months) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand/Marketing Fund Fee | 2% – 3% of Gross Sales |