If you are looking for information on the Charley's Grilled Subs franchise business opportunity, Charley's Subs franchises or Charley's franchising, then you have come to the right place.
Company president and CEO Charley Shin opened his first restaurant in 1986 on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Now over 20 years later his "really good" sandwich shop has grown to over 300 franchise units across 38 United States and in seven countries worldwide. Charley now has formed a team of professionals targeting leadership in both brand equity and store expansion within the Sub-sandwich niche of the Fast Casual Restaurant sector.
With a national trend toward more healthful eating, grilled foods are rapidly gaining popularity over fried foods. Charley's menu specialties feature nutritionally beneficial foods, including made-to-order grilled steak or chicken sandwiches and fresh-cut gourmet fries, as well as freshly squeezed lemonades and a variety of fresh salads and soups - therefore offering today's health-conscious and yet taste-loving consumers a better alternative to the higher-calorie and fat-laden menu offerings of most competitors.
Recent food and lifestyle trends show that today's restaurant patrons want quick service - but not necessarily those offered by "fast food" formulas. The Fast Casual concept that Charley's Grilled Subs restaurant offers its diners is a high-quality quick-service experience; with premium foods; energetic and attentive employees; enjoyed in a comfortable store ambiance and within a fun "watch-it-cooking" atmosphere. There's no compromising on taste with our premium fresh products and our made-to-order service that can fulfill every customer's food preferences.
In over 20 years of doing business, Charley's has been recognized at the "top" of numberous lists for successful franchising, entrepreneurship and management. A key strength of our operation is the ongoing franchisee support provided by our professional management team and our productive programs. As one franchisee stated, "This is the best business opportunity out there. The team at Charley's consistently develops products that taste best -- and then they provide the training and expertise to make it and serve it consistently the right way."
At Charley's our mission is to be America's Best "Fast Casual" restaurant chain; our pledge is to provide Charley's entire franchise family with the most winning business formula in the industry.
Uniquely positioned in the fastest growing segment of the restaurant industry, "Fast Casual."
Fast Casual sandwich concepts, positioned between fast food and sit-down restaurants, are growing at an annual double digit rate, more than double the rate of any other restaurant segment and have a 7.5% compounded sales growth projected through 2006 (Technomics -2002 top 100).
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
Food and Beverage Franchises