Charleys Philly Steaks vs Zero's Subs Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Zero's Subs Franchise
Investment $253,231 - $637,568$150,000 - $250,000
Franchise Fee $24,500$15,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 0.25%-
Year Founded 19861967
Year Franchised 19911996
Term Of Agreement 10 years15 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years15 years
Renewal Fee $5K10% of current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements
 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Zero's Subs Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Zero's Subs 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/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Zero's Subs 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, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicksAd slicks, National media
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

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

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Zero's Subs Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    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 Zero's Subs

    In 1967, Gene Schmidt started ZERO'S SUBS. Zero’s Subs is one of the largest regional sandwich franchises in the U.S. with more than 30 restaurants nationally. Since its inception in Virginia Beach in 1967, Zero’s Subs has created a proven fast, casual concept which offers high-quality foods, such as hot oven-baked subs, hearth-baked bread, Hormel meats, buffalo chicken wings, innovative health-conscious salads, wraps and pizza - all under one roof.