East of Chicago Pizza Company vs Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Investment $162,000 - $463,000$253,231 - $637,568
Franchise Fee $20,000$24,500
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -0.25%
Year Founded 19901986
Year Franchised 19911991
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee To be determined$5K


Business Experience Requirements
 
East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Experience
  • Company uses Birkman Profile & Corporate Interview Series

  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment Yes/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 2 weeks Classroom Training: 4 weeks On-The-Job Training: 120 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours
    Support Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional AdvertisingPurchasing 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 Templates National Media Regional AdvertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations 26% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

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

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 20

    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
     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About East of Chicago Pizza Company

    When founder L. Scott Granneman was thinking of a name for his second pizza restaurant in Willard, Ohio, he remembered one of his customers telling him he made 'the best pizza east of Chicago.' The comment stuck with Granneman, and now East of Chicago Pizza has more than 120 locations stretching as far east as Virginia.
    East of Chicago locations offer favorite toppings such as pepperoni and mushrooms as well as a menu of specialty pizzas like Taco (which is covered with lettuce, tomato, black olives, sour cream, cheddar cheese, beef and salsa) and dessert pizzas (Dutch Crunch apple pizza or Peanut Butter & Jelly).

    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.