Captain Tony's vs Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Captain Tony's Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Investment $197,550 - $389,800$253,231 - $637,568
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $20,000$24,500
Royalty Fee 4.5% w/cap6%
Advertising Fee 2%0.25%
Year Founded 19721986
Year Franchised 19851991
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee -$5K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Captain Tony's Franchise
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Captain Tony's Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/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
     
    Captain Tony's Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: up to 168 hoursOn-The-Job Training: 120 hours Classroom Training: 60 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Toll-Free Line Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform 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 Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 10

    100% of current franchisees are owner/operators

    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
     
    Captain Tony's Franchise
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Captain Tony's

    Michael J. Martella always believed his father's pizza was the best in the world. When the elder Martella, Antonio, opened the first Captain Tony's Pizza & Pasta Emporium in 1972, everyone in the family pitched in. When Michael graduated from college and began a career as a stockbroker, the pizzas he tried as he traveled around the country just didn't measure up to his father's. Realizing they had a superior product and concept, Michael tried to convince his father to expand the company, but Antonio wasn't interested. In 1987, Michael founded Captain Tony's Inc. and began franchising the restaurant. Each Captain Tony's location serves a variety of entrre and dessert pizzas, submarine sandwiches, pastas and salads. The franchise has restaurants in Great Britain as well as the United States.

    Seeking new franchisees throughout the U.S. , Asia, Canada, Central America, Middle East, Mexico, Philippines, South America and Western Europe

    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.