Charleys Philly Steaks vs Duke Sandwich Company Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Duke Sandwich Company Franchise
Investment $253,231 - $637,568$150,000 - $1,100,000
Franchise Fee $24,500$25,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 0.25%-
Year Founded 19861917
Year Franchised 19912004
Term Of Agreement 10 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years5 years
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Duke Sandwich Company Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

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

    Training & Support

     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Duke Sandwich Company 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 PlatformNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicksRegional 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)

    Franchise can be run from home.

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 8

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.


    Expansion Plans

     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Duke Sandwich Company Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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 Duke Sandwich Company

    The goodness and tradition of Duke Sandwich Co. can be traced back to Eugenia Duke preparing sandwiches for World War I soldiers - delectably simple spreads that reminded the doughboys of a taste of home. New flavors and new traditions are being born every day at Duke Sandwich Co., yet they’re driven by the same integrity and passion that propelled the company forward a century ago. Now to celebrate our 100 year anniversary we introduce a new brand and soon new menu items to follow. Don't worry your favorites are not going anywhere! Now this family-owned and operated company is sharing its original recipes and time-tested business system-offering franchise opportunities exclusively in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.