The Steak Escape vs Erik's DeliCafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Steak Escape vs Erik's DeliCafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Steak Escape Franchise
Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
Investment $190,200 - $1,300,000$303,500 - $521,600
Franchise Fee $25,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19821973
Year Franchised 19831986
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Steak Escape Franchise
Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    The Steak Escape Franchise
    Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    The Steak Escape Franchise
    Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing -Co-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20 - 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (75% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    78% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 16

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    The Steak Escape Franchise
    Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About The Steak Escape

    The Steak Escape was established in Columbus, Ohio, in 1982 by Ken Smith and Mark Turner. One year later, Escape Enterprise Ltd. was formed, and Steak Escape started franchising mall sites, as well as locations in college campuses, airports and sports arenas. The privately held company specializes in genuine Philadelphia cheesesteaks and operates in more than 30 states as well as overseas.

    About Erik's DeliCafe

    After receiving his bachelor's degree in business and marketing, Erik Johnson tried his hand at accounting, security, food service and real estate before purchasing a 600-square-foot store in Scotts Valley, California, back in 1973. With help from his family, Johnson founded Erik's Deli Cafe, a quick-service and catering restaurant that served sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods.

    Johnson expanded his chain throughout Northern California before selling the first franchise in 1986.