Recipe for Success
“Fifteen years ago, my son proposed we investigate becoming a franchisee of The Cheese Steak Shop. We had no restaurant experience, but he loved the sandwiches and thought it would succeed in Marin County. He’d manage the store, and I’d handle the financing and books. Our investment has been a really positive experience, and we continue to provide authentic cheesesteaks to the community. When the company changed ownership seven years ago to Tony Bendana and Dana Huie, it was for the better. They have extensive restaurant experience and have been incredibly supportive and responsive to any problems. Their team sets high standards, and they’ve reduced food costs, rebranded the organization with a new logo and uniforms, upgraded technology, and significantly increased advertising, even featuring SF Giants players! They’ve also grown our loyalty membership to over 60,000, boosting our visibility in Northern California. I would highly recommend The Cheese Steak Shop to anyone looking to invest in a concept that serves authentic cheesesteak sandwiches in a fun atmosphere.”
— Frank & Kevin Pauls, Franchisee’s
Larkspur, CA
Why
Cheese Steaks
Franchise with The Cheese Steak Shop and bring the authentic taste of the East Coast to your community. For over 40 years, we’ve perfected the Philly cheesesteak, building a loyal following and a reputation for quality that stands the test of time. Our proven business model, refined over decades, is backed by experienced food professionals who ensure the core of what makes us special the flat-top sizzle, fresh ingredients, and no-nonsense quality remains. When you join us, you’re gaining a partner; we provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, equipping you with the knowledge and tools from grilling techniques to marketing strategies, so you can succeed every step of the way.
Available
Markets
Having perfected our authentic Philly cheesesteak experience in California, The Cheese Steak Shop is now passionately expanding its “brotherly love” across the Western states. We’re inviting dedicated entrepreneurs to join our thriving family and bring the unparalleled taste of a genuine Philly cheesesteak, to new communities from New Mexico to Washington. This is your chance to share a beloved culinary tradition and build a successful business, spreading the warmth and deliciousness that has made us a West Coast favorite for over four decades.
Run the
Numbers
Franchise Fee
$17,500
Minimum Net Worth
$500k
liquid Assets
$175k
Total Initial Investment
$250K-$700K
*Top 33% of Shops 2024 Sales/$987K
**Average sales for Franchise Location opened the entire 2024 year-$764,071
Testimonials
“Becoming a franchisee with The Cheese Steak Shop has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, largely due to its reputation for authentic East Coast style Philly cheesesteaks and a business model built on consistency and strong support. From comprehensive training and operational guidance to marketing resources, the corporate team’s support has been outstanding, making me feel like part of a genuinely caring network. Owning a Cheese Steak Shop has met all my expectations, allowing me to focus on great service and business growth, fostering strong customer relationships built on consistent quality. I confidently recommend The Cheese Steak Shop as a smart investment for anyone passionate about great food and ready to join a well-established and supportive franchise system.”
— Harry Pannu, Franchisee
Roseville, CA
“Opening a Philly cheesesteak franchise was a natural choice for me because it combines my passion for grilling delicious food with my dream of owning a small business. I’ve always loved the process of cooking, especially creating hearty, flavorful meals like a classic Philly cheese steak that brings people together. Feeding others and seeing them enjoy my food is incredibly rewarding. Owning a franchise allows me to channel this passion into a business I can call my own, while tapping into a proven model to share authentic, mouthwatering cheese steaks with my community.”
— Frederick Mak, Franchisee
Pacifica, CA
How can I start a “The Cheese Steak Shop” franchise?
Are you passionate about owning your own business? Do you have a strong work ethic? Are you driven to succeed? The Cheese Steak Shop is actively seeking energized, business-oriented individuals to become franchisees. As part of our evaluation process, we will prioritize qualities such as a go-getter attitude, strong business motivation, prior successful business ventures, a firm grasp of personal finances, and a passion for food service in your community—in particular, cheesesteak! Every key aspect of operating a successful sandwich shop will be a part of a 4-week training regimen.
How much does it cost to open a “The Cheese Steak Shop” franchise?
The total initial investment needed to open a “The Cheese Steak Shop” franchise is between $354,000 and $625,000. Adequate capital is important, and we require potential franchisees, to have $350,000 in non-borrowed personal resources – that is, liquid assets in the form of cash, marketable securities, stocks, and so on. Additionally, to qualify your overall net worth (assets minus liabilities) must be at least $750,000. The cost of each unit varies according to business size and location. For additional information on costs and fees or to receive more information on how you can become a franchisee, apply below. luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
How long does it take to open the store?
Each “The Cheese Steak Shop” store opening is unique, and the length of time to make it happen varies. The typical range of time is approximately 6–12 months, from signing the franchise agreement to opening day. During this time, you will go through a series of steps, from submitting your franchise application, to going through the qualification process, to meeting your franchise team, to establishing your real estate deal, to undergoing legal review, to training and marketing.
What kind of training will I go through?
New “The Cheese Steak Shop” franchisees take part in a 4-week training program, which begins with 4–5 days of formal classroom instruction at our corporate office with our executive team. We then show you how to train your employees: Through hands-on in-store training, our training team teaches every aspect of cheesesteak sandwich preparation.
We then personally assist you at your new “The Cheese Steak Shop” franchise for up to 2 weeks to ensure a smooth startup, help you learn operations, and assist you in establishing the Standard Operating Procedures for your new business. The final aspect of the program will consist of management training, which encompasses administrative and accounting training.
After you complete the training program, of course, you’ll continue to benefit from ongoing support as part of the “The Cheese Steak Shop” family and community.
How much money can I make as a “The Cheese Steak Shop” franchisee?
Profitability depends on many factors, including operations costs, financing terms, and—above all—your energy and motivation to effectively manage the franchise. It’s impossible to provide a flat figure. To get an idea of possibilities and real-world experiences, we encourage you to speak with existing “The Cheese Steak Shop” franchisees during our application process.
