The Steak Escape vs Tom and Chee Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Steak Escape Franchise
Tom and Chee Franchise
Investment $190,200 - $1,300,000$302,700 - $456,000
Franchise Fee $25,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 6%-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19822012
Year Franchised 19832017
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Steak Escape Franchise
Tom and Chee Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    The Steak Escape Franchise
    Tom and Chee Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    The Steak Escape Franchise
    Tom and Chee Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations-
    Marketing --
    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)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    The Steak Escape Franchise
    Tom and Chee Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Tom and Chee

    "Tom

    After expanding to more than 12 locations across seven states,
    Tom & Chee is poised for a new era of rapid growth. With a simplified business model, state-of-the-art training and technology, a new menu and restaurant design, and new leadership with over 50+ years in the franchise industry, Tom & Chee is ready to welcome passionate franchisees who want to own a business that brings joy and love to their communities. Here’s why Tom & Chee stands out as a wise sandwich & grilled cheese franchise investment:

    Tom & Chee is creating a new category within the sandwich space,” says Roger David, CEO & President of Tom & Chee. “There’s something really special about our brand. We’re changing the game with our sandwich & grilled cheese franchise. It’s new, but also nostalgic. When our customers taste our food they think of Mom. They think of childhood with grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. We have created such a unique menu, with wonderful recipes and food made fresh in-house, and now we have a robust culture of franchise support that is going to take Tom & Chee to the next level. We’re looking for franchisees who are food-centric. If you love food, love people and love community, then you should be a part of a Tom & Chee.”

    The estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Tom & Chee Restaurant franchise ranges from $302,700 to $456,000. This includes $30,000 (if this is the first Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased), $15,000 (if this is your second, third or fourth Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased) or $5,000 (if this is your fifth or greater Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased) that must be paid to the franchisor. The estimated initial investment does not include real estate, related improvement costs or tenant improvement allowances.