If you have ever bitten into a perfectly grilled Philly cheesesteak and thought about owning a restaurant like that, Charley's Grilled Subs - also widely known as Charleys Philly Steaks - may be the franchise opportunity you have been searching for. With hundreds of locations across the country and a reputation built on freshly grilled, made-to-order food, Charleys has become one of the most recognized names in the fast-casual segment. But turning that dream into reality requires understanding the full Charleys Grilled Subs franchise cost and, more critically, securing the right financing to make it happen. This complete guide breaks down every aspect of the funding process so you can walk into your lender's office with confidence.
In This Article
Charley's Grilled Subs - formally rebranded as Charleys Philly Steaks - is an American fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in freshly grilled Philly cheesesteaks, loaded fries, and real-fruit lemonades. Founded in 1986 by Charley Shin in Columbus, Ohio, the brand started as a single counter-service concept near The Ohio State University campus. What set it apart from the very beginning was Shin's insistence on grilling every sandwich to order on a flat-top grill using fresh, never-frozen ingredients. That commitment to quality and speed resonated immediately with hungry college students and became the foundation of an enduring brand identity.
Over the following four decades, Charleys expanded aggressively through franchising. Today the brand operates more than 700 locations across the United States and in several international markets, making it one of the largest Philly cheesesteak chains in the world. A significant portion of those domestic locations are found inside major shopping malls, airports, military bases, and Walmart Superstores, giving Charleys a diverse real estate footprint that many competitors cannot match. That flexibility in site selection is one of the practical advantages the brand offers to prospective franchise owners.
The menu is deliberately focused. Charleys does not try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it has perfected a tight lineup of Philly cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks, gourmet fries, and lemonades. This streamlined approach means shorter training times, simpler kitchen operations, and more consistent product quality across all locations. For franchise investors, a focused menu translates directly to lower labor costs and easier management of food costs, both of which are critical levers for profitability in the restaurant industry.
Corporate-level support is another major draw. Charleys provides franchisees with a comprehensive initial training program - approximately 150 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction conducted at the Columbus, Ohio headquarters or other designated locations. Ongoing support includes operational guidance, marketing resources, and access to proprietary systems. The brand has also been recognized for its strong relationship with the U.S. military community, offering veteran franchisees a $12,250 reduction on the initial franchise fee through the VetFran Program. For anyone serious about entering the fast-casual restaurant space, Charleys represents a proven, accessible, and operationally sound opportunity worth examining closely.
Before diving into the financial details of how to fund a Charleys Grilled Subs location, it is worth taking a step back and understanding why so many entrepreneurs choose this particular brand. The benefits go well beyond the food itself and speak to the structural and operational advantages that make Charleys an attractive investment vehicle.
The first major benefit is brand recognition. Charleys has spent nearly four decades building consumer awareness, especially in high-traffic mall corridors and Walmart locations where foot traffic is built in. Unlike starting an independent restaurant from scratch - where you bear all the marketing costs of establishing a brand from zero - Charleys franchisees step into a concept that customers already know and trust. That built-in recognition shortens the customer acquisition curve and can meaningfully reduce the time it takes for a new location to reach profitability.
Second, the flexible real estate model is a genuine competitive advantage. Charleys operates in formats ranging from traditional endcap locations and freestanding buildings to compact mall food court stalls and Walmart in-line stores. This range of formats means franchisees can enter the system at different investment levels depending on their available capital. A food court unit inside a Walmart may require far less capital than a freestanding restaurant, giving entrepreneurs with a range of financial profiles a viable path to ownership.
Third, the operational simplicity of the Charleys concept is a significant advantage. The menu requires no fryers, no complex kitchen equipment, and no extensive back-of-house infrastructure. Everything is grilled fresh on a flat-top, which means faster cook times, simpler food safety protocols, and a smaller kitchen footprint. For franchisees, this translates to lower equipment costs, less specialized labor, and smoother day-to-day operations.
Key Advantage: Flexible Format Options
Charleys Philly Steaks offers multiple location formats - from compact mall kiosks to full inline stores - allowing investors to choose a format that fits their budget and market, making it one of the most accessible franchise concepts in the fast-casual segment.
Fourth, the veteran discount program deserves special mention. For honorably discharged military veterans, Charleys reduces the initial franchise fee by $12,250 through the VetFran Program. This is a meaningful financial incentive that, combined with access to SBA loans and other veteran-friendly financing programs, can substantially reduce the barrier to entry for former service members who want to build a business of their own.
Understanding how the Charleys franchise system is structured is essential before you begin exploring financing options. The business model is built around a simple premise: the franchisor (Charleys Philly Steaks corporate) provides the brand, the systems, the training, and the ongoing support, while the franchisee provides the capital, the operational leadership, and the local market execution.
When you sign a Charleys franchise agreement, you are entering into an initial term of 10 years. During that period, you pay an ongoing royalty fee equal to the greater of $300 per week or 6% of gross sales. This fee is paid to the franchisor in exchange for the continued right to use the brand, its proprietary recipes, its systems, and its support resources. In addition to the royalty, you will contribute to a marketing fund - the contribution rate ranges from 3% to 4% of gross sales depending on your specific location type and agreement terms.
The franchise agreement grants you the right to operate a Charleys restaurant at a specific approved location. It is important to note that Charleys does not grant exclusive or protected territories, which means other Charleys locations - both franchised and company-owned - could theoretically open in proximity to yours. Understanding your local market and choosing a site with strong built-in traffic is therefore especially important in your location selection process.
Operations training takes place over approximately two to three weeks at the company's training facilities. The curriculum covers everything from food preparation standards and quality control to customer service protocols, point-of-sale systems, and basic financial management for the business. Most franchisees find this training sufficient to run a food court or inline location effectively, particularly when they have prior management or business ownership experience. Ongoing field support from Charleys corporate representatives supplements this initial training throughout the life of the franchise agreement.
The total initial investment to open a Charleys Grilled Subs franchise varies considerably based on the type and size of the location, the regional real estate market, and the condition of the space being built out. According to the most current Franchise Disclosure Document data, the estimated total investment ranges from approximately $202,690 on the low end to $1,004,447 on the high end. This wide range reflects the significant difference in cost between a compact food court stall inside a Walmart and a full freestanding or endcap restaurant location.
The initial franchise fee is $24,500. This fee grants the franchisee the right to operate under the Charleys brand and access to all of its proprietary systems. For qualifying military veterans, this fee is reduced by $12,250 through the VetFran Program, bringing it down to $12,250 for that segment of prospective franchisees.
Beyond the franchise fee, the major cost components include site preparation and construction (leasehold improvements), furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), signage, opening inventory of food and supplies, training expenses, insurance, and an initial working capital reserve to cover operations during the ramp-up period. Construction and leasehold improvement costs are highly variable and depend on whether you are building out a raw shell space, renovating an existing food service location, or installing equipment into an already-configured space within a larger retail environment like a Walmart.
By the Numbers
Charleys Philly Steaks Franchise - Key Statistics
$202K+
Minimum Total Investment
$24,500
Initial Franchise Fee
700+
Locations Worldwide
6%
Royalty Fee
In terms of financial qualifications for prospective franchisees, Charleys requires a minimum liquid cash availability of approximately $200,000. The minimum net worth requirement is typically $650,000. These thresholds are considerably lower than many other fast-casual concepts, which is part of what makes Charleys accessible to a broader pool of entrepreneurial investors. Meeting these minimums does not guarantee approval, but they establish the baseline financial profile that the franchisor looks for in qualified candidates.
On an ongoing basis, franchisees should also budget for ongoing royalties (6% of gross sales or $300/week minimum), marketing contributions (3-4% of gross sales), employee wages and benefits, food cost, occupancy costs (rent and utilities), and general and administrative expenses. Creating a detailed pro forma financial projection - one that accounts for all these variables at different revenue levels - is an essential part of preparing for both the franchise approval process and your loan application.
Funding a Charleys Grilled Subs franchise is achievable through several different pathways, and most franchisees ultimately use a combination of personal capital and external financing. The specific mix depends heavily on your financial profile, the type of location you are opening, and your personal risk tolerance. Here is a comprehensive look at the primary financing options available.
SBA 7(a) Loans - The SBA 7(a) loan program is one of the most popular and practical ways to finance a franchise like Charleys. Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, these loans allow approved lenders to extend credit to small business owners with terms and conditions that are more favorable than what most conventional lenders would offer on their own. For a Charleys franchise, an SBA 7(a) loan can cover the franchise fee, construction and leasehold improvements, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital. Loan amounts can go up to $5 million, and repayment terms extend up to 10 years for business loans and up to 25 years when commercial real estate is included. Interest rates are tied to the Prime Rate and are regulated by the SBA. Learn more about SBA loans from Crestmont Capital.
Conventional Bank Loans - For borrowers with strong credit histories, established business track records, and significant collateral, conventional loans from banks or credit unions may offer competitive interest rates and faster closing timelines. These loans do not carry an SBA guarantee, so the lender assumes full risk - which means qualification standards are generally more stringent. Experienced multi-unit operators or entrepreneurs with prior restaurant ownership experience are typically better positioned to secure conventional financing.
Equipment Financing - Since a Charleys location requires specific grilling equipment, display cases, refrigeration, POS systems, and more, equipment financing can be a useful tool. In this type of arrangement, the equipment itself serves as collateral, which often makes it easier to qualify for than an unsecured loan. Equipment financing or leasing can help you preserve cash for working capital while still getting the tools you need to run the business.
Business Lines of Credit - Once your Charleys location is up and running, a business line of credit provides flexible, revolving access to capital for managing cash flow, handling seasonal dips in revenue, covering payroll gaps, or funding marketing initiatives. A line of credit is not typically used for the initial franchise investment, but it is a valuable working capital tool in the ongoing life of the business.
Small Business Loans and Alternative Lenders - Beyond banks and the SBA, a growing ecosystem of alternative lenders offers small business loans with faster approval timelines and more flexible qualification criteria. These options can be particularly useful for entrepreneurs who may not meet the strict credit and collateral requirements of traditional bank loans. Alternative lenders often use broader data points - including cash flow and revenue trends - rather than relying exclusively on credit scores and collateral.
Fast Funding Options - In competitive real estate markets, speed matters. If you find an ideal location and need to move quickly to secure it, fast business loans can provide capital in days rather than weeks. These are often used as bridge financing while a longer-term SBA or conventional loan is being processed.
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Apply Now ->Understanding lender expectations before you apply is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your chances of securing franchise financing. Lenders evaluate multiple factors when deciding whether to approve a franchise loan and on what terms. Here is what they look for when reviewing applications for Charleys Grilled Subs financing.
Credit Score - Your personal credit score is typically the first data point a lender reviews. Most SBA-affiliated lenders look for a minimum score of around 650 to 680, though scores above 700 will open more doors and generally result in better rates and terms. Pull your credit report well in advance of applying and address any errors, outstanding collections, or derogatory marks that might be dragging your score down.
Liquid Capital and Down Payment - Lenders universally require borrowers to have skin in the game. For a franchise loan, this typically means making a cash down payment of 20% to 30% of the total project cost from non-borrowed, personal funds. For a Charleys location with a total investment of $500,000, for example, you might need to contribute $100,000 to $150,000 in cash. Your ability to document that capital with bank statements and financial records is essential.
Net Worth - Beyond liquid capital, lenders examine your overall financial position. Charleys requires a minimum net worth of $650,000, and lenders will want to verify this through a personal financial statement. Your net worth is calculated as the sum of all your assets (real estate, investments, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business equity, vehicles) minus all of your liabilities (mortgage balances, credit card debt, student loans, other outstanding loans).
Business Plan - A comprehensive, professional business plan is non-negotiable for any franchise loan application. Your plan should include a detailed executive summary, a market analysis of your chosen trade area, a description of the Charleys concept and your competitive advantages, a marketing strategy, an operational plan, a management team overview, and thorough financial projections covering at least three to five years. Use data from the Charleys FDD, including any financial performance representations in Item 19, to support your projections.
Industry and Management Experience - While prior restaurant ownership is not always required, it is a significant plus. Lenders want to know that you have the management skills and operational knowledge to run a successful food service business. If you do not have direct restaurant experience, emphasize transferable skills - team leadership, financial management, customer service, and multi-unit operations in other industries can all strengthen your application.
Qualification Checklist: Charleys Franchise Loan
For entrepreneurs who have experienced past credit challenges, options like bad credit business loans may still provide a viable path to funding, particularly when other qualifying factors - like strong liquid assets, significant collateral, or proven management experience - are present. Working with a knowledgeable financing partner who has experience in franchise lending can make a significant difference in identifying the right lender for your specific profile.
Crestmont Capital is a nationally recognized business lender with a strong track record of helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of franchise financing. Whether you are opening your first Charleys location or expanding to a second unit, our team brings deep expertise in SBA loans, franchise funding structures, and the specific documentation requirements that lenders need to see in order to approve your loan.
One of the most valuable things we do for franchise clients is help them package and present their loan applications in the most compelling possible light. This means helping you craft a business plan that resonates with lenders, organizing your financial documentation for clarity and completeness, and matching you with the specific lenders in our network who are most likely to approve your particular profile. Our network includes SBA preferred lenders, regional banks, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and alternative capital providers - giving us the flexibility to find the right fit for a wide range of borrower situations.
We understand that the timeline matters when you are trying to lock in a prime location or meet a franchise agreement deadline. That is why we prioritize efficiency and communication throughout the loan process. Our team proactively stays on top of documentation requests, follows up with lenders on your behalf, and keeps you informed at every step. We also offer access to fast-funding options when speed is a priority, ensuring that a great opportunity does not slip away while you are waiting for a traditional loan to close.
Our expertise extends across the full spectrum of fast-casual and QSR franchise concepts. We have helped franchisees secure funding for brands ranging from food service giants to specialty dining concepts like the Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ franchise and service brands like the Boardroom Salon for Men franchise. That breadth of experience means we understand the nuances of different franchise business models and can present your case to lenders in a way that is clear, credible, and persuasive.
Whether you need a comprehensive SBA 7(a) loan to cover your full investment, specialized equipment financing to outfit your kitchen, or a working capital line to bridge your first few months of operations, Crestmont Capital has the products and the relationships to make it happen. The first step is simply reaching out for a free consultation with one of our franchise financing specialists.
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Start Your Application ->The best way to understand how franchise financing works in practice is to walk through realistic examples of investors at different stages and with different financial profiles. Below are five scenarios that illustrate the range of approaches franchisees can take when funding a Charleys Grilled Subs location.
Scenario 1: The First-Time Entrepreneur with a Mall Location
Keisha is a 35-year-old operations manager for a regional retail chain. She has strong management experience, a credit score of 715, and has saved $120,000 in liquid capital. She has identified a food court space inside a large regional mall where a Charleys Philly Steaks unit can be installed. The total project cost is estimated at $280,000. Her employer's 401(k) plan also allows hardship distributions, and she plans to roll over $60,000 in retirement funds using a ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) arrangement to boost her equity contribution.
Combined, Keisha's $120,000 in cash savings plus the $60,000 ROBS rollover gives her $180,000 in equity - about 64% of the total project cost. She approaches Crestmont Capital to finance the remaining $100,000 through an SBA 7(a) loan. Because the loan amount is under $150,000, it qualifies as an SBA Express loan, which has a faster turnaround time - typically three to five business days for an initial decision. Keisha's strong credit score, documented equity injection, and detailed business plan - which includes a three-year financial projection based on comparable mall food court unit sales from the Charleys FDD - result in an approval within two weeks. She opens her mall location four months later and hits profitability in month seven.
Scenario 2: The Military Veteran Taking Advantage of VetFran
Marcus is a recently separated Army officer with 12 years of service. He has strong leadership experience, a disciplined savings record, and a credit score of 750. His liquid assets total $175,000, and his net worth - including home equity and investment accounts - is approximately $700,000. He qualifies for the Charleys VetFran discount, reducing his franchise fee from $24,500 to $12,250 and saving him $12,250 upfront.
Marcus is targeting a Walmart inline location in a growing suburb where foot traffic is strong and competition is limited. The total project cost for a Walmart-format Charleys is estimated at $320,000. He applies for an SBA 7(a) loan to cover $175,000 of the total cost, with the remaining $145,000 coming from his personal savings. His military leadership background is a compelling story for lenders, who view veteran borrowers favorably. He also qualifies for the SBA's Veterans Advantage program, which waives upfront guarantee fees on loans under $350,000 for qualifying veterans, saving him additional money at closing. The process runs smoothly, and Marcus opens his Charleys in a Walmart Supercenter to strong initial sales driven by the high daily foot traffic of the location.
Scenario 3: The Multi-Unit Operator Expanding to a New Brand
Angela is an experienced fast-food franchisee who currently operates three locations of a national sandwich brand. Her existing portfolio generates solid revenue, and she has significant equity in the commercial leases she holds. Her credit score is 790, and her net worth exceeds $2 million. She wants to diversify her portfolio by adding a Charleys Philly Steaks endcap location with a drive-thru window, which she estimates will require a total investment of $750,000.
Given her strong financial position and proven track record in multi-unit restaurant operations, Angela is an excellent candidate for a conventional bank loan. She works with her existing bank, which is already familiar with her business operations and financial history. By leveraging the equity in her existing franchise locations as additional collateral, she is able to secure a $600,000 conventional loan with favorable terms - a fixed interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. The approval process takes approximately 45 days, and Angela uses the additional time to finalize her lease negotiations. She brings her existing operational infrastructure - including a general manager training pipeline and established vendor relationships - to the new Charleys location, which ramps up faster than her earlier franchise openings.
Scenario 4: The Career-Changer with Limited Restaurant Experience
Tom is a 48-year-old software engineer who has always wanted to own a business. He has a strong income history, a credit score of 700, and substantial savings of $250,000. He has no direct restaurant experience but has managed large teams, handled complex project budgets, and demonstrated strong analytical skills throughout his career. He wants to open a Charleys inline store in a suburban strip mall for a total investment of $450,000.
Tom's lack of restaurant experience is a potential concern for lenders, but it is not disqualifying. He works with Crestmont Capital to craft a business plan that directly addresses this gap. His plan highlights his management skills, includes a commitment to hire an experienced food service manager who will oversee day-to-day operations, and provides a detailed description of the Charleys training program that will bring him up to speed on the operational side. He applies for an SBA 7(a) loan of $250,000, contributing his $250,000 in cash as the down payment - a 55% equity injection that significantly reduces lender risk. According to guidelines from the Small Business Administration, strong equity injections are one of the most effective ways to offset weaknesses in other areas of a loan application. Tom's loan is approved, and he opens his Charleys location the following spring.
Scenario 5: The Real Estate Investor Diversifying Into Food Service
Linda is a real estate investor who owns a mixed-use retail strip center in a medium-sized city. She has identified an opportunity to fill a vacant anchor space in her own property with a Charleys Philly Steaks location. This unique situation - where the franchisee also owns the real estate - creates a particularly compelling financial structure. Her total investment for construction and equipment is $600,000 for a full-service inline Charleys with seating.
Because she owns the real estate, Linda can structure an SBA 504 loan to finance the project. The SBA 504 program, as described on SBA.gov, is specifically designed for major fixed assets like real estate and large equipment. It works by combining a loan from a Certified Development Company (CDC), a first-mortgage loan from a conventional lender, and a 10% down payment from the borrower. In Linda's case, this structure allows her to invest only $60,000 in cash while financing the rest through the 504 structure. Additionally, by leasing the space to her own franchise entity at market rate, she creates a second income stream from her real estate portfolio. It is an elegant financial structure that rewards creative planning and illustrates how experienced investors can leverage multiple assets to build diversified wealth through franchising.
These five scenarios demonstrate the range of financing strategies available to Charleys Grilled Subs franchise investors. No two situations are identical, and the right approach for you depends on your specific financial profile, experience level, and investment goals. The key is to start the conversation early and work with a financing partner who understands the franchise space well enough to match you with the right solution.
The total initial investment to open a Charleys Philly Steaks franchise ranges from approximately $202,690 to $1,004,447. This wide range reflects the different location formats available - from compact food court stalls in Walmart locations to full endcap or freestanding restaurant units. The initial franchise fee is $24,500, with a $12,250 discount available for qualifying military veterans.
The ongoing royalty fee is the greater of $300 per week or 6% of gross sales. In addition, franchisees contribute between 3% and 4% of gross sales to a marketing fund. These ongoing fees are important to factor into your financial projections when applying for a franchise loan, as lenders will assess whether your projected revenue can comfortably cover all recurring costs.
Yes, SBA loans - particularly the SBA 7(a) program - are one of the most commonly used financing tools for franchise investments like Charleys. SBA loans offer competitive interest rates, longer repayment terms, and lower down payment requirements compared to conventional loans. Charleys is a franchisable concept that qualifies for SBA financing, making it an excellent fit for this program.
Most lenders look for a minimum personal credit score of 650 to 680 for SBA franchise loans. A score above 700 will significantly improve your chances of approval and help you qualify for more favorable interest rates. Review your credit report before applying to correct any errors and address outstanding issues.
Charleys Philly Steaks requires prospective franchisees to have a minimum of approximately $200,000 in liquid capital. Liquid capital refers to cash or assets that can be readily converted to cash. This is separate from your total net worth and represents the funds you can quickly access if needed for the business.
The minimum net worth requirement for Charleys franchise candidates is typically $650,000. This is calculated as your total assets minus your total liabilities. Meeting this threshold demonstrates to both the franchisor and lenders that you have the financial stability to sustain the investment and navigate any early-stage challenges.
Yes. Charleys participates in the VetFran Program and offers honorably discharged U.S. military veterans a $12,250 reduction on the standard $24,500 initial franchise fee, bringing their fee down to $12,250. This discount, combined with SBA veterans programs that can waive upfront guarantee fees, makes Charleys a particularly accessible franchise for veterans.
A typical franchise loan application requires a comprehensive business plan, personal and business tax returns for the past two to three years, personal financial statements, three to six months of bank statements, the signed franchise agreement (or letter of intent), the Charleys Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and a detailed use-of-proceeds statement explaining how the loan funds will be deployed.
Approval timelines vary based on loan type and lender. SBA Express loans (for amounts under $500,000) can receive an initial decision within five business days. Standard SBA 7(a) loans typically take 30 to 90 days from application submission to funding. Conventional bank loans can sometimes close faster for well-qualified borrowers with established banking relationships.
Yes, Charleys inside Walmart locations can be financed through SBA loans, conventional loans, or a combination of financing tools. Walmart-format locations typically have lower total investment requirements than standalone or mall locations, which can make them more accessible for first-time franchisees with a more modest initial capital base.
Yes. Equipment financing or leasing is a common strategy for franchise owners who want to preserve cash or separate their capital stack. In an equipment loan, the equipment itself serves as collateral, which can simplify the approval process. This can cover items like grilling stations, refrigeration units, display cases, and POS systems.
Direct restaurant experience is not a strict requirement for a Charleys franchise loan, but it is a significant advantage. Lenders view industry experience as a risk-reducing factor. If you do not have restaurant experience, you can offset this by highlighting strong general management skills, committing to hire an experienced operator to run daily operations, and making a higher equity down payment to reduce lender risk.
The initial franchise agreement term is 10 years. At the end of the initial term, franchisees may have the option to renew their agreement subject to meeting certain conditions and paying applicable renewal fees. This long-term commitment is one reason lenders are comfortable with extended loan repayment terms that align with the business timeline.
If your credit score falls below ideal thresholds, you still have options. A larger down payment (35% or more of the total investment) can help offset credit risk in the eyes of lenders. Demonstrating strong liquid capital, solid collateral, and relevant management experience can also compensate for credit challenges. Specialized lenders who work with alternative credit profiles may be accessible through Crestmont Capital's network.
Crestmont Capital provides end-to-end franchise financing support - from helping you build a compelling loan application to matching you with the right lender from our extensive network. We specialize in SBA loans, franchise funding, and alternative capital solutions for entrepreneurs at every experience level. Our goal is to get you funded efficiently, with the best possible terms for your situation.
Pull your credit report, calculate your net worth, and assess your liquid capital. Knowing your baseline financial position is the essential first step before approaching any lender or franchisor.
Contact Charleys Philly Steaks corporate to begin the franchise inquiry process and request a copy of the current Franchise Disclosure Document. Study Item 19 (Financial Performance Representations) carefully to build your revenue projections.
Develop a comprehensive business plan with detailed financial projections, a market analysis of your target trade area, and a clear description of your management approach. This document is central to your loan application.
Submit your application through Crestmont Capital. Our specialists will review your profile, identify the best loan options from our lender network, and guide you through every step of the approval process.
Once your loan is approved and funding is disbursed, complete your build-out, finish your Charleys training program, and open for business. Your Crestmont Capital financing specialist will remain available as a resource throughout the process.
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Apply Now ->Charley's Grilled Subs - known today as Charleys Philly Steaks - represents a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to enter the fast-casual restaurant space with a proven concept, a flexible location model, and a lower-than-average initial investment threshold. With over 700 locations and a brand identity built on fresh-grilled quality and speed, Charleys offers a solid foundation for business ownership across a wide range of markets.
The funding process does not have to be intimidating. Whether you are pursuing an SBA 7(a) loan, a conventional bank loan, equipment financing, or a combination of tools, there is a viable path to capital for qualified investors at many different financial levels. The key is preparation - understanding your numbers, knowing what lenders look for, and presenting your case with a professional, thorough business plan that demonstrates your commitment and your capability.
Crestmont Capital is here to be your partner throughout that process. Our team of franchise financing specialists has the experience, the network, and the expertise to match you with the right capital solution and guide you from application to funding. We have helped hundreds of franchise owners across dozens of concepts take the leap from aspiring investor to successful business owner - and we are ready to help you do the same with your Charleys Philly Steaks franchise.
The grill is waiting. Take the first step today by reaching out to Crestmont Capital for a free consultation. Your path to franchise ownership - and the freshest Philly cheesesteak in your market - starts with a single conversation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Funding terms, qualifications, rates, and product availability are subject to change without notice and may vary by lender. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval or specific loan outcomes. Franchise costs and financial requirements referenced are based on publicly available FDD data and may not reflect the most current figures. Always consult the current Franchise Disclosure Document and seek independent legal and financial counsel before making any investment decision.