Farmer Boys vs Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Farmer Boys Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Investment $1,042,500 - $2,486,500$253,231 - $637,568
Franchise Fee $45,000$24,500
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%0.25%
Year Founded 19811986
Year Franchised 19971991
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee -$5K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Farmer Boys Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Farmer Boys Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Farmer Boys Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 480 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours On-The-Job Training: 120 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing 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 Regional Advertising Social media SEO Loyalty program/app Co-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 30

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% 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
     
    Farmer Boys Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Farmer Boys

    During the 1970s, brothers Makis and Chris Havadjias worked in restaurants to earn money for college. They helped the owners of one of those restaurants rebuild the establishment, and later bought it. With the experience they gained at that first restaurant, the brothers bought a poorly performing restaurant in Perris, California, that they built into Farmer Boys. With the help of their three other brothers, the Havadjias expanded Farmer Boys throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties in Southern California. Each location serves hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and a full breakfast menu. The company began franchising in 1998.

    #128 in Franchise 500 for 2021. Not ranked in 2020.

    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.