Stuft Pizza vs Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Stuft Pizza vs Charleys Philly Steaks including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Stuft Pizza Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Investment $350,000 - $650,000$253,231 - $637,568
Franchise Fee $30,000$24,500
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee -0.25%
Year Founded 19761986
Year Franchised 19851991
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Renewal Fee -$5K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Stuft Pizza Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Stuft Pizza Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Stuft Pizza Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 120 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours
    Support Newsletter, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing -Co-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10 - 20

    90% of current franchisees are owner/operators

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Stuft Pizza Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Stuft Pizza

    Stuft Pizza was founded by Jack Bertram in 1976 as a small takeout restaurant in Cerritos, California. The company has been franchising since 1985 and has locations throughout California and Oregon. It is now based in La Quinta, California.

    About Charleys Philly Steaks

    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 Steakery 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.

    The #1 Cheesesteak in the World

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of CPS Restaurant is $253,231 to $570,540 (excluding real estate and related costs). This includes $24,500 that must be paid to the franchisor.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a CPSC Restaurant is $458,996 to $637,568 (excluding real estate and related costs). This includes $24,500 that must be paid to the franchisor.

    Veteran Incentives   50% off franchise fee

    ""  "Entrepreneur
    #126 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #294 in Franchise 500 for 2021.