Why Great Steak Franchise Is a Hit with Millennials

The premier cheesesteak franchise connects with the nation’s largest demographic by offering an authentic experience

The Smithsonian recently reported just how big the sandwich market is in the U.S. Americans consume a whopping 120 million sandwiches — every day. As the nation’s largest demographic, millennials aren’t just leading the massive sandwich industry; they are craving food that is authentic and an experience that is unique and memorable.

Not only do millennials eat out far more than their elders — Business Insider reports that 53% of millennials dine out at least once a week, compared to 43% to the general population — millennials also have remarkably different taste buds. According to Gordon Food Service, 49% of millennials say that sandwiches other than burgers are their favorite food. GFS reports that restaurants “don’t need to be the flashy gastro hotspot to be appealing” to millennials because what they want is a brand with a voice, food with flavor and the ability for customization — all of which they can find at Great Steak.

“Great Steak appeals to a wide variety of people, but we are especially appealing to the millennial demographic,” says Walter Mejia, Vice President of Operations for Great Steak. “Our food is affordable, with an average ticket of $8-$10. And our use of high-quality ingredients is evident the moment a customer steps up to the counter. We don’t prepare meals in advance. Our customers tell us how they want their food, and then we cook their meal in front of them. It’s dinner and a show!”

Great Steak takes the cheesesteak very seriously. Founded by two Ohio brothers who fell in love with the sandwich on a trip to Philadelphia in 1982, Great Steak grew to more than 100 locations across the nation. Our simple menu focuses on cheesesteaks, both classic and innovative, and our specialization is appealing to not only cheesesteak purists, but also to the largest demographic in the United States: millennials.

“Cheesesteaks are a category of their own,” Walter says. “It’s the quintessential American sandwich, which at its best features the simple ingredients of the original found in Philadelphia: thinly sliced sirloin steak and melted cheese cooked quickly on a griddle and then placed on a lightly toasted French roll that is baked in-house — which is soft enough to soak up the juices. It’s relatable and easy to understand, and once you’ve had a Great Steak cheesesteak, you’re hooked for life.”

Great Steak is a low-cost opportunity with high potential returns. With more than 100 locations in malls and neighborhoods across the country, Great Steak is proud to be America’s Premier Cheesesteak sandwich franchise. Our franchise owners produce average revenues in excess of $466,000 a year, according to Item 19 disclosures in our latest FDD.

With two unique franchise models, we are positioned to produce decades of success for the savvy entrepreneur or the aspiring restaurateur. For those individuals seeking to bring cheesesteak sandwiches to their neighborhood, we offer the in-line restaurant model with an initial investment beginning at $129,200.

No mall food court is complete without an authentic cheesesteak sandwich shop, and Great Steak is the best choice for shopping malls and strip centers from coast to coast with our food court franchise model. Initial investment for the food court model begins at $146,600.

“Great Steak is unique in that our quality products and fresh ingredients make it very easy to establish lifelong relationships with our customers,” said Nidal al-Farah, owner of three Great Steak cheesesteak franchises in Indiana. “From a franchisee’s perspective, the support that the executive team gives us is second-to-none. I have never felt like I was just a number. If I have any questions at all, I know they will help me find a solution. It’s a low-cost investment; but more importantly, it has a relatively quick return on that investment. I would open more locations in a heartbeat.”

Bring the classic American cheesesteak experience to your community today

Great Steak is a low-cost investment opportunity with high potential returns; the startup costs for traditional stores range from $146,600 to $511,050. Having sold millions of cheesesteaks since our founding in 1982, Great Steak has an experienced business model for entrepreneurs who are passionate about bringing the classic American cheesesteak experience to their communities. The franchise fee for your first traditional Great Steak franchise is $30,000, and the franchise fee for multiple units may be discounted if certain conditions and criteria are met.