Charleys Cheesesteaks franchise
Charleys Cheesesteaks sells Philly cheesesteaks, grilled subs, wings, loaded fries and fresh lemonade. Many restaurants are in mall food courts, and it also franchises units on campuses, military bases and in travel centers. At the end of 2025 there were 826 Charleys Cheesesteaks locations in the US, 766 franchised and 60 company-owned.
- Cost to open
- $203K–$696K
- Franchise fee
- $24,500
- Royalty
- 6%
- Locations, 2025
- 826
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Company snapshot
- Franchising since
- 1990
- Franchisor based in
- Columbus, Ohio
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Territory
- No exclusive territory
- Financing
- None offered
From Gosh Enterprises, Inc’s 2026 filing.
How much a Charleys Cheesesteaks franchise costs
Opening one Charleys restaurant costs an estimated $203,492 to $696,266. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Gosh Enterprises, Inc, 2026 filing, page 17
Charleys Cheesesteaks franchise fee
The franchise fee is $24,500, for a first restaurant ($15,000 for later ones). You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Gosh Enterprises, Inc, 2026 filing, page 11
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 6% of gross sales or $300 a week, whichever is greater, paid weekly. |
|---|---|
| Brand or marketing fund | An advertising and promotion obligation of currently 3% of gross sales (up to 5%). |
Source: Gosh Enterprises, Inc, 2026 filing, page 12
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Charleys Cheesesteaks publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it gives 2025 average gross sales for 713 franchised restaurants open all year. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Gosh Enterprises, Inc, 2026 filing, page 47
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 700 (+89) | 61 |
| 2024 | 744 (+44) | 69 |
| 2025 | 766 (+22) | 60 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Gosh Enterprises, Inc, 2026 filing, page 49
How Charleys Cheesesteaks compares
Of the 46 fast food franchises on this site, Charleys Cheesesteaks is the cheapest to open and the 29th largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Charleys Cheesesteaks | Typical fast food |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $203K | $701K |
| Royalty | 6% | 5% |
| Change in franchised locations, 0 yrs | +25.4% | +6.3% |
| Shares earnings figures | Yes | 39 of 46 |
Typical is the median across the 46 brands in fast food franchises.
Other fast food franchises
Charleys Cheesesteaks franchise questions
Does Charleys Cheesesteaks help with financing?
No. Charleys Cheesesteaks does not offer financing or guarantee loans or leases, so buyers arrange their own, usually a bank or SBA loan.
Do Charleys Cheesesteaks franchisees get a protected territory?
No. Charleys Cheesesteaks grants the right to run one location but no exclusive area, so another Charleys Cheesesteaks can open nearby.
How long is a Charleys Cheesesteaks franchise agreement?
The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
How does Charleys Cheesesteaks compare with other fast food franchises?
Of the 46 fast food franchises here, Charleys Cheesesteaks is the cheapest to open (low end $203K against a $701K median) and the 29th largest by number of locations. Its 6% royalty is above the 5% median.
Does Charleys Cheesesteaks say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it gives 2025 average gross sales for 713 franchised restaurants open all year. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Charleys Cheesesteaks based?
Gosh Enterprises, Inc is based in Columbus, Ohio and the brand has sold franchises since 1990.