Charley's Grilled Subs Franchise News

Fast-Casual Philly Steak Chain Advances in Annual Rankings
May 07, 2012 // Franchising.com // Columbus, OH – Charley’s Grilled Subs, the 457-unit franchise best known for its Philly Steak sandwiches, has been ranked No. 139 in an annual list of the top 500 largest U.S. restaurant chains – moving up 44 spots since the ranking last year.
According to data released by Technomic Inc., the 500 largest U.S. restaurant chains registered a 3.4 percent annual sales increase in 2011, a sharp improvement over 1.8 percent the prior year In their annual reporting on the top U.S. restaurant chains the foodservice consultancy found that U.S. system wide sales for the Top 500 chains grew to an estimated $242 billion in 2011, up more than $8 billion over 2010...

Participating Customers Guaranteed to Win One of Five Prizes in "Charley's at the Bat" SMS Campaign
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Charley's Grilled Subs, the 450-unit franchise best known for its Philly Steak sandwiches, is kicking off the 2012 baseball season with its own version of America's pastime: a six-week text message campaign that awards customers with one of five instant prizes, including a grand slam cash prize of $500.
The "Charley's at the Bat" SMS campaign, which will run from April 9 to May 12, 2012, awards participants who text the word "swing" to 69529 with one of the following instant prizes:

A "single," which provides a coupon for a free fry with the purchase of a sub
A "double," which provides a coupon for a free fry and drink with the purchase of a sub
A "triple," which provides a coupon for a free gourmet fry and drink with the purchase of a sub
A "home run," which provides a buy-one-get-one-free coupon
A "grand slam," which wins a $500 cash prize

"To loyal Charley's customers, a good Philly Steak sandwich is just as much part of Americana as baseball," said Mike Cassar, Charley's Vice President of Marketing...

March 15, 2012 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OH – Charley’s Grilled Subs, home of the world’s best Philly Steak sandwich, announced its inclusion in the top 50 in the large class systems category on the Franchise Business Review’s 2012 Franchisee Satisfaction Award list.
Based on a survey of more than 22,000 franchisees representing more than 300 franchise brands, the 2012 Satisfaction Award includes more than 65,000 franchisees nationwide and is based exclusively on ratings and reviews from actual franchise owners. Franchise Business Review annually recognizes franchisors with the highest overall franchisee satisfaction based on its survey of franchisees. The survey includes 33 benchmark questions, relating to the franchisee’s experience and satisfaction as well as market area, business lifestyle, and other demographic characteristics...

Sandwich Favorite Offers Customers Lent-Friendly Menu Option
February 21, 2012 // Franchising.com // Columbus, OH – Charley’s Grilled Subs, known worldwide for their signature Philly Steak sandwiches, is giving customers a reason to look forward to Lent this year by unveiling a freshly prepared Crispy Beer Battered Fish Sandwich.
Staying true to the Charley’s signature sandwich style, the Crispy Beer Battered Fish Sandwich will be hot, fresh and made-to-order with two Yeungling beer-battered, wild Alaskan Cod fillets, served on a toasted bun with fresh toppings and a punch of zesty tartar sauce. The sandwich will only be available February 20 through April 8, making this unbeatable combination of savory flavors a perfect choice for all those who celebrate Lent...

Leading Philly Steak Sandwich Franchise Continues International and Airport Expansions
February 13, 2012 // Franchising.com // Columbus, OH – Charley’s Grilled Subs, the 454-unit Philly Steak restaurant chain has grown to 15restaurants in the United Arab Emirates, the most recent which opened Jan. 19 at the Dubai International Airport in Terminal 1.
The Dubai expansion is led by prominent businessman Mohammad Al Madani, Chairman & CEO, Al Madani Group of Companies (AMG). In addition to overseeing the development in the UAE, the group this month also signed a partnership agreement with Charley’s for exclusive master franchising of the sandwich chain for Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The recent opening is significant since Dubai airport is the 14th busiest airport in the world and is a window to the Middle East, Europe and Asia...

Facebook Campaign to Reward Fans with Free Food and Cash Prizes
January 17, 2012 // Franchising.com // Columbus, Ohio – Charley’s Grilled Subs, the 450–unit franchise best known for its Philly Steak Sandwiches, is kicking off a new football-themed Facebook campaign just in time for the Super Bowl.
The Grill-Iron Classic campaign, which runs from January 16 to February 20, will pit the “champion” East coast Philly Cheese Steak sub against the “challenger” West Coast California chicken sub. In an effort to drive sales, grow the company’s Facebook fan base and reward participants, consumers are encouraged to “Like” the Charley’s Facebook page, vote for their favorite sub sandwich and earn free food...

Philly Steak Sandwich Executive Named New Company Leader
January 12, 2012 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OH – Charley’s Grilled Subs, the international Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich franchise, has promoted Bob Wright to President and Chief Operating Officer to help guide the brand into the future.
Bob Wright was named COO for Charley’s Grilled Subs in 2010. Since joining the company, Wright has been responsible for company and franchise operations, purchasing, training and marketing. As President, Wright will now assume the responsibilities for HR, IT and Business Analytics at the world’s leading Philly Cheesesteak chain known for their signature made-to-order sandwiches prepared with only 100 percent Certified USDA Choice Steak, all natural cheeses and fresh vegetables...

Philly Steak Sandwich Franchise Ranks # 93, Record High for Columbus-based Chain.
COLUMBUS, OH, December 31, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Charley's Grilled Subs, home of the world's best Philly Steak sandwich for more than 24 years, ranked No. 93 in Entrepreneur magazine's 2012 Franchise 500.
Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 is the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking based on objective, quantifiable measures of success. The most important factors include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. Only franchise companies that supply full Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) or Canadian Disclosure Documents and whose information is verified by Entrepreneur can receive a listing.
"For the past decade Charley's has found itself in the upper rankings of this prestigious list," said Bob Wright, Chief Operating Officer of Charley's Grilled Subs...

Longtime Columbus Restaurateur Unveils Refined Concept with Upgraded Menu
December 02, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OH – Charley’s Grilled Subs, the Columbus Philly Steak sandwich favorite, is opening the first Charley’s Philly Steaks at 1836 West Henderson Road. The new concept, part of Charley’s continued commitment to growth, will offer diners a freestanding, fast-casual restaurant option with drive-thru, an upgraded menu, and modern interior décor.
Charley Shin, founder and CEO, graduated from Ohio State University and opened his first location near campus. It’s still there after 25 years, helping solidify Columbus’ ties to the past, present, and future of this successful restaurant chain...

Restaurant Chain Unites Two American Favorites into one Sandwich
COLUMBUS, OH, November 16, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Charley's Grilled Subs, the international Philly Steak Sandwich favorite, is rolling out a Supreme Pizza Steak Sandwich, combining two of America's beloved food items - pizza and cheese steaks - into one sandwich.
The sandwich, available nationwide on Nov. 14, is grilled-to-order and prepared with 100 percent Certified USDA Choice all-natural steak, grilled onions, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. It's piled high with pepperoni and provolone cheese, in addition to pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
"We're excited to introduce the Supreme Pizza Steak Sandwich because we know pizza and cheese steaks are both big sellers throughout the country, said Chung Choe, R & D Specialist for Charley's Grilled Subs...

Branding Expert Mike Cassar Joins Fast-Growing Philly Steak Franchise
November 11, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OH – Charley’s Grilled Subs, the world’s leading Philly Steak chain known for signature made-to-order sandwiches, has named accomplished marketing veteran Mike Cassar as the company’s new Vice President of Marketing.
Cassar, a leader in branding, digital marketing and franchise relations, is tasked with bringing the unique brand personality of Charley’s to life. He has extensive experience building brand equity for global consumer brands including companies such as Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Michelin, XM Radio, Craftsman, IBM and Ford Motor Company. Most recently, he served as Chief Marketing Officer for EAS Technologies...

Military Bases Offer Fast-Growth for Philly Steak Franchise
September 26, 2011 // Franchising.com // Columbus, OH – Charley's Grilled Subs, the international Philly Steak sandwich franchise, is opening its 100th restaurant on a military installation this month, marking a significant milestone with the company's largest franchise partner, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.
The new restaurant will open Sept. 26 on Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Seattle, WA. The 100th location represents the successful commitment between Charley's and the Exchange, whose goal is to provide military families merchandise and services worldwide to generate earnings to supplement military morale.
″The Exchange is part of the Charley's family and has been a terrific partner to help us leverage the popularity of our sandwiches throughout the world, ″said Charley Shin, Founder and CEO...

Korean-Inspired BBQ Sandwich Available Nationwide for Limited Time Only August 02, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS – As a response to customer demand, Charley's Grilled Subs will debut its Spicy Asian BBQ Chicken sandwich nationwide this week, capitalizing on the trend of Korean-inspired flavors.

The sandwich, offered for a limited time only, is grilled-to-order and is prepared with all-natural chicken, grilled onions, creamy white American cheese, crisp cucumber and Charley's signature Spicy Asian BBQ sauce.

"The Spicy Asian BBQ Chicken sandwich offers the perfect combination of flavors and crunch (still think this is kind of bland and It really doesn't describe the sandwich – I think the word texture is better than crunch and I think you should use identifiers instead of flavor – spicy, creamy, savory, etc...

July 05, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OHIO – Charley's Grilled Subs, the 430–unit franchise best known for its Philly Steak Sandwiches, is giving customers another reason to celebrate this Independence Day season – an exclusive deal for free fries and a drink.

Through July 8, 2011, fans who text "FREEDOM" TO 614-808-2088 will receive a coupon via email that is redeemable for free fries and a drink with purchase of any sub. Coupons will be sent in real time and may be redeemed in printed form or electronically on a mobile device at participating locations. Contributing patrons will automatically register for Charley's e-club and will be notified of future exclusive offers.

"Few things are more American than a tasty Philly Steak Sandwich, and this promotion is our way of encouraging Charley's fans to celebrate the holiday season with us," said Bob Wright, COO of Charley's Grilled Subs...

Philly Steak Sandwich Chain's Website Competes in Restaurant Category, Public Voting Ends Friday April 27, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OH – Charley's Grilled Subs, the international Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich franchise, has been named one of the five finalists in the restaurant category of the Webby Awards, a competition often referred to as "The Oscars of the Internet."

The company's website, Charleys.com, was submitted to the restaurant category to be judged on excellence in web design, usability, information architecture and mobile accessibility, through their digital agency, Ohio-based dynamIt. Other finalists include Chipotle, Carl's Restaurant, Dishoom and the Pure Management Group. A complete list of finalists in all categories can be found here: http://tinyurl...

Charley's Grilled Subs Set to Open First Brazil Location; Continues to Appeal to Wide Variety of Cultures around the World April 19, 2011 // Franchising.com // Columbus, OH – Charley's Grilled Subs, the world's fastest-growing Philly Steak Sandwich chain, is continuing its global expansion with the opening of its first Brazil location. The new restaurant will offer diners the chance to experience the world's tastiest Philly Steak sandwich as Brazil joins a host of countries including Japan, Germany, the Dominican Republic and Saudi Arabia to welcome Charley's to its nation.

The new Charley's, expected to open in May in the Brasilia Shopping mall, is part of a larger expansion as the franchise is plans to add nine additional restaurants throughout the country over the next five years...

Former Wendy's Exec Bob Wright Appointed as Charley's Chief Operating Officer April 04, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OH – For the first time in the restaurant's 25-year history, Charley's Grilled Subs, the international Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich franchise, has hired a Chief Operating Officer to guide the brand into the future.

Bob Wright, a former vice president for both Wendy's International and Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, and has been named the new COO for Charley's Grilled Subs, the world's leading Philly Cheesesteak chain known for their signature made-to-order sandwiches prepared with only 100 percent Certified USDA Choice Steak, all natural cheeses and fresh vegetables.

"Charley's is experiencing tremendous growth in partnership with our franchisees and we'll be able to continue on this path by exceeding our customers' expectations every time they visit," said Wright...

Franchise Business Review Names Charley's Grilled Subs as a 2011 Winner March 23, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OH – International Philly Cheesesteak franchise, Charley's Grilled Subs, has received recognition from Franchise Business Review for their hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction. Charley's Grilled Subs has been named one of the top 50 on the 2011 Franchise Satisfaction Award Winners list.

Franchise Business Review surveys thousands of franchise owners annually to find the leaders in the industry with the highest overall franchisee satisfaction. The survey includes 33 benchmark questions, relating to the franchisee's experience and satisfaction as well as market area, business lifestyle, and other demographic questions...

Charley's Grilled Subs' Steakhouse Bacon BBQ rolls out nationwide for a limited time only January 25, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OH – Charley's Grilled Subs will debut a Steakhouse Bacon BBQ sandwich nationwide this week, bringing a new, delicious flavor to hungry customers. The sandwich, offered for a limited time only, is a premium product with loads of flavor and top quality ingredients that will give customers a bang for their taste buds!

Like all sandwiches at Charley's Grilled Subs, the Steakhouse Bacon BBQ is made-to-order with 100 percent Certified USDA Choice Steak, melted provolone cheese, grilled onions, genuine bacon and topped with gourmet crispy onions and tangy BBQ sauce. This combination of sweet and savory flavors will add a unique, premium sandwich to the Charley's lineup and leave customers craving more...

Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 includes Charley's Grilled Subs among the best in the industry for 2011 January 19, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLUMBUS, OH – International Philly Cheesesteak franchise, Charley's Grilled Subs, has received the coveted ranking of No. 1 franchise in the Philly Steak Sandwich category from Entrepreneur Magazine for the eighth year in a row. The business has been named No. 112 overall on the Franchise 500 List and is recognized because of their growth, successful franchise expansion, quality products, fresh ingredients, innovation and low prices.

In its 32nd year, the Franchise 500 list, compiled by the magazine, is the best-known and most comprehensive franchise industry ranking. The rankings are based on objective, quantifiable measures of success, and include special categories for specific industries and accomplishments...