Fresh City Kitchen vs Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Investment $726,000 - $1,140,000$253,231 - $637,568
Franchise Fee $35,000$24,500
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -0.25%
Year Founded 19971986
Year Franchised 20031991
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee 25% of then-current fee$5K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 120 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours
    Support

    A Fresh City consultant will be on location at your restaurant prior to the soft opening, to guide you through the first few days of business, and to assist in planning your grand opening. The Fresh City Franchise team will offer ongoing business consultation, and will share best practices as well as manuals and other training materials, as you grow your business.

    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
    Marketing Fresh City will assist you in growing your business through the strategic and tactical implementation of Fresh City branding, marketing, and promotions. You will be provided with materials and programs to help you begin positioning your Fresh City restaurant in your community. Additionally, the Fresh City community support and service program -"Thinking Fresh" - will help make your franchise the neighborhood restaurant of choice.Co-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    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

     
    Fresh City Kitchen Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Fresh City Kitchen

    Fresh City restaurants are meccas for guests seeking alternatives to fast food. We are pleased to invite you to join their innovative franchise concept. With cutting edge locations in multiple states, Fresh City is growing to meet the needs of today's consumers seeking lifestyle alternatives. Fresh City is actively seeking experienced multi-unit operators with proven expertise in the food service industry. Fresh City franchisees must be experts in their markets, be willing to work diligently and commit to leading a team that will execute a dynamic restaurant. We seek franchisees who possess integrity, are respected amongst peers and colleagues, and share Fresh City's core business values and commitment to give back to their communities. Fresh City franchisees must have sufficient liquid net worth and demonstrate the ability to raise capital adequately to fund their development

    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

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    #126 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #294 in Franchise 500 for 2021.