America’s premier cheesesteak franchise is a proven business model that is ramping up for a nationwide expansion
With more than 100 locations across the nation, Great Steak premier cheesesteak franchise was founded by two brothers who fell in love with cheesesteak on a trip to Philadelphia in 1982. Great Steak was one of the first brands to bring the classic cheesesteak experience to the rest of America. Led by a passionate executive team with proven experience in growing franchise systems, Great Steak is poised to become the premier cheesesteak franchise nationwide as it captures a significant share of the sandwich industry, which tops $19 billion according to IBISWorld.
“Our success over the three decades we’ve been in business comes down to our unwavering commitment to the cheesesteak,” says Walter Mejia, Vice President of Operations. “When it comes to cheesesteak, if you don’t do it right and authentic, you will hear about it from your customers. The Great Steak cheesesteak has won us a rapidly growing base of customers who are loyal and excited and find enormous enjoyment in our commitment to the cheesesteak.”
1. Great Steak focuses on the classic American cheesesteak experience
The cheesesteak owns a distinctive place in popular culture. Cheesesteak lovers are devoted, loyal and in constant disagreement over what makes a cheesesteak “authentic.” While the thinly sliced steak is essential to the classic sandwich, the real argument comes down to the cheese: provolone, American or cheese sauce? Thankfully, for the devoted loyalists among our customers, Great Steak serves up all three.
Great Steak takes the cheesesteak very seriously. Our simple menu focuses on cheesesteaks, both classic and innovative, and our specialization appeals to not only cheesesteak purists, but also to the largest demographic in the United States: millennials. Smithsonian reports that approximately 50% of Americans aged 20 and older eat at least one sandwich every day, and 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,” Walter says. “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!”
2. With two proven concepts, Great Steak is a low-cost investment opportunity with high potential returns
The Great Steak executive team has designed two business models that are easy to operate and don’t require a background in the restaurant industry. We leverage the power of our parent company, Kahala Brands, to source the finest and freshest ingredients to keep hungry customers satisfied and margins high. In addition, Great Steak provides extensive training in every aspect of running a profitable business, as well as training you to teach your team how to provide the best classic American cheesesteak experience in your community.
With an initial investment starting at $146,600, Great Steak is a low-cost restaurant opportunity with potential for high returns. Our food court model and our in-line restaurant are designed to be easy to operate and to maximize profitability; here is what you need to know about both franchise concepts:
Food Court Model: This is the perfect option for a savvy entrepreneur who wants to run a simple business with a small staff, low overhead and few moving parts. Our food court counters are custom-designed to showcase the theatricality of cooking a cheesesteak: customers walk up and get a perfect view of their cheesesteak being cooked. Our success in malls across America for more than 30 years demonstrates that this model can generate a rapid return on investment. Great Steak has developed relationships with several of the largest mall companies in America, and they cannot wait for Great Steak to enter their marketplaces.
In-Line Restaurant: This model is for entrepreneurs who want to bring the classic American cheesesteak experience to the heart of their communities. Our restaurants require a small footprint, a small staff and low overhead, and the Great Steak executive team will work with you to find the best location for your business. In addition, initial training will be extensive, and the Great Steak team will assist you in growing your business as you become the premier cheesesteak restaurant in your community.
3. Great Steak is supported by one of the giants of the franchise industry
One of the biggest positives in franchising with Great Steak is that you get the support of Kahala Brands, a global franchisor that specializes in growing the 20 QSR brands in its portfolio, including Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie, Pinkberry and Planet Smoothie, to name a few. Kahala Brands’ success is reflected in its annual systemwide sales of nearly $735 million, and in its 3,000-plus locations in 34 countries around the world.
“Franchising with Kahala Brands gives our franchisees access to a vertically integrated system of support that includes everything from marketing, distribution, real-estate, trademarks, IT services including POS systems, managed IT services, and much, much more,” says Jeff Smit, Chief Operating Officer of Kahala Brands. “Great Steak franchisees are supported every day, from the rolling out of limited-time offerings, to training, to professional help with business plans, to how to effectively market in their communities to grow their customer base. This allows our franchisees to focus on what they do best: giving our customers the best cheesesteak experience around.”
With a low initial investment, Great Steak is a chance for new and experienced entrepreneurs to become a community’s go-to local restaurant for the classic American cheesesteak experience. You can own and manage a business that focuses on the cheesesteak in its classic form, as well as in new and innovative styles.
“Without a doubt, people who love cheesesteaks really love Great Steak,” says John Wuycheck, Senior Vice President of Kahala Brands, which is the parent company of the Great Steak cheesesteak franchise. “If a franchisee brings the confidence and enthusiasm for great tasting cheesesteaks, we can teach them the cheesesteak business. Our training process maps out our simple in-store operations — they rely on attention to detail, which makes for great-tasting cheesesteaks every time a customer walks in through the doors. We can help first-time restaurant owners thrive in the underserved market of cheesesteak lovers in America and beyond.”
Ready to bring the classic American cheesesteak experience to your community?
Great Steak is a low-cost investment opportunity with high potential returns; the initial investment ranges from $146,600 to $439,050. Having sold millions of cheesesteaks since our founding in 1982, Great Steak has a proven business model for entrepreneurs who are passionate about bringing the classic American cheesesteak experience to their communities. The franchise fee for your first Great Steak franchise is $30,000, and the franchise fee for multiple units may be discounted if certain conditions and criteria are met.
Learn more about the Great Steak franchise
For in-depth details about the Great Steak franchise opportunity, download our free franchise report. You can also learn more by visiting our research pages.
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