Charleys Philly Steaks vs Erik's DeliCafe Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
Investment $253,231 - $637,568$303,500 - $521,600
Franchise Fee $24,500$35,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee 0.25%-
Year Founded 19861973
Year Franchised 19911986
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Erik's DeliCafe 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, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

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

    		 78% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 16

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise
    Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    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 Erik's DeliCafe

    After receiving his bachelor's degree in business and marketing, Erik Johnson tried his hand at accounting, security, food service and real estate before purchasing a 600-square-foot store in Scotts Valley, California, back in 1973. With help from his family, Johnson founded Erik's Deli Cafe, a quick-service and catering restaurant that served sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods.

    Johnson expanded his chain throughout Northern California before selling the first franchise in 1986.