Charleys Philly Steaks vs Spicy Pickle Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Spicy Pickle Franchise
Investment $253,231 - $637,568$300,000
Franchise Fee $24,500$30,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee 0.25%-
Year Founded 19861999
Year Franchised 19912003
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $5K20% of then-current fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Spicy Pickle Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • People skills

  • Financing Options

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

    Training & Support

     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Spicy Pickle Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 120 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours -
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformMeetings, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12 - 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Spicy Pickle Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    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.







    About Spicy Pickle

    Spicy Pickle is looking for experienced restaurant operators who also have the financial ability and marketing expertise to develop territory. Spicy Pickle restaurants are in relatively small footprints and can, when properly developed, operated and marketed, produce attractive returns for the investment. Spicy pickle has earned a reputation for serving delicious culinary inspired food that caters mostly to the daytime working populations in a fast casual atmosphere. We are looking for franchisees who have earned a similar reputation for success in their hometowns and are looking for this type of opportunity. If this describes you we encourage you make application and set up a visit to our Corporate headquarters. Be prepared to present a business plan for the roll out of Spicy Pickle restaurants in your chosen development area. We have in place the infrastructure to assist you from initial financial projections to site selection and lease negotiation to build-out assistance, training, grand opening and ongoing marketing and operational support. We are experienced franchisors and restaurant operators and are looking for franchisee partners to help expand the brand. What we need you to have: * Significant business experience and references, preferably in the retail environment and specifically in restaurant operations. * Sufficient financial strength to open several Spicy Pickle restaurants as locations become available (at least $1 Million dollars of liquidity). * Strong ties to the local community. * A desire to build, own and operate your own business, and entrepreneur. * Enthusiasm and the ability to wake up every day with an opportunistic attitude.