| ||||
Updated RecentlyCharleys Philly Steaks vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Charleys Philly Steaks vs Potbelly Sandwich Shop including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
||
| Investment | $253,231 - $637,568 | $534,950 - $874,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $24,500 | $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | 0.25% | Up to 4% |
| Year Founded | 1986 | 1977 |
| Year Franchised | 1991 | 2009 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | $5K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
| Experience | Potbelly is looking for "Potbelly People" to become franchisees. That means people that love working with a team, have solid business experience (not necessarily in restaurants), the financial qualifications, possess personal motivation and have been successful. Our franchise owner/operator model is a two person team. Whether a family partnership or a business partnership we are looking for an operating team that wants to be owners of the neighborhood sandwich shop within their community. | |
Financing Options |
||
| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | -/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Inventory | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Receivables | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Payroll | No/Yes | -/Yes |
Training & Support |
||
| Training | On-The-Job Training: 120 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours | All new franchisees participate in a 10-12 week training program. This consists of real life experience in one of our company-owned training shops. In addition, we will train your key holding employees for 6 weeks at one of our company-owned training shops. Once completed, franchisees receive regular updates to their training along with our company-owned stores, including regular on site reviews. On-The-Job Training: 355 hours Classroom Training: 80 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 Platform | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks | Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app |
| Operations |
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 |
||
| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
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
![""]("https://static.franchisedirect.ie/dims4/default/9cfe0cd/2147483647/crop/454x434%2B0%2B0/resize/200x191/quality/95/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fd1imm0s6tc8o7m.cloudfront.net%2F1f%2F1f%2F47018bb74550b92351e946038cf1%2Ftop100-big-2020.png")
!["Entrepreneur]("https://d3fg11dgb68kbp.cloudfront.net/assets/photos/franchise-badge-22686037fc120ba1bd59c2c9fd6e0fbf.png"){kind=icon}
#126 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#294 in Franchise 500 for 2021.
About Potbelly Sandwich Shop
From its humble beginnings as a small antique store on Chicago's North Side, Potbelly has grown from one to more than 200 shops serving neighborhoods in 12 states. Potbelly's unique experience is defined by its combination of toasty warm sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes, tasty made-to-order salads, live local music, as well as friendly and lively people. Potbelly has built a passionate, loyal following of fans that spread the word about the fun, energetic atmosphere and great food.
#131 in Franchise 500 for 2020.