#93
At a Glance
Products & Services: Philly cheesesteaks, grilled subs, fries, salads
Number of Locations: 434
Total Investment: $103.03K - 445.3K
Founded: 1986
Began Franchising: 1991
Private Owned
About Charley's Grilled Subs
Visits to his relatives near Philadelphia inspired Charley Shin's entrepreneurial spirit, and he saw his future in cheesesteak sandwiches. In 1986, Shin opened his first Charley's Grilled Subs at Ohio State University. The then-22-year-old's restaurant became an instant hit with professors and students.Since then Shin has expanded to locations nationwide. In 1999, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 353 | 4 | 47 | 30 |
| 2010 | 328 | 4 | 47 | 30 |
| 2009 | 339 | 3 | 37 | 33 |
| 2008 | 299 | 3 | 27 | 32 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new units internationally.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $103,027 - $445,300
Franchise Fee: $24,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $24,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $300,000
Liquid Cash Available: $100,000
Operations
Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 5 weeks. At franchisee's location: 7 days.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Ad slicks,
Other marketing support: Franchise community website & bulletin board