|
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 |
||
Investment | $190,200 - $1,300,000 | $303,500 - $521,600 |
Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $35,000 |
Royalty Fee | 6% | 5% |
Advertising Fee | - | - |
Year Founded | 1982 | 1973 |
Year Franchised | 1983 | 1986 |
Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 10 years |
Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 10 years |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
Experience | ||
Financing Options |
||
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/No | No/No |
Start-up Costs | No/No | No/No |
Equipment | No/No | No/No |
Inventory | No/No | No/No |
Receivables | No/No | No/No |
Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
||
Training | - | - |
Support | Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations | Newsletter, 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 |
||
US Expansion | - | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | No |
International Expansion | Yes | No |
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.
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.