Charleys Philly Steaks vs Jon Smith Subs Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Investment $253,231 - $637,568$309,500 - $887,760
Franchise Fee $24,500$39,500
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 0.25%3%
Year Founded 19861988
Year Franchised 19912007
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee $5K$1K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Jon Smith Subs Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Jon Smith Subs Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-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
     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Jon Smith Subs Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 120 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: At existing store
    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 PlatformPurchasing 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 slicksCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising 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)

    		 Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 15 - 20

    Expansion Plans
     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Jon Smith Subs Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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 Jon Smith Subs

    Sometimes it seems that everyone sells the “highest quality food at the lowest price.” But saying it doesn’t make it so. I, Jon Smith, am totally committed to providing the best quality food and service for my customers. Look at our food, look at our stores, look at our employees and see our commitment. At Jon Smith Subs, quality is our only deal.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Jon Smith Subs Restaurant is from $309,500 to $615,790. These amounts include $134,500 to $213,790 that you must pay to the franchisor and its affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Jon Smith Subs Restaurant as a developer under the Multi-Unit Development Agreement is from $370,500 to $887,760 for five restaurants. These amounts include $194,500 to $677,290 that you must pay to the franchisor and its affiliates.
    Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee