How did you get into the industry?
I had grown up near Philly and grew up loving cheesesteaks. I then took a job in Ohio and traveled intensively. Could never find a cheesesteak so I felt I should try to introduce it to places outside of Philly and see if it would connect. We opened our first Steak Escape in Columbus, Ohio in 1982. It was 209 square feet in one of the first food courts in the country. It was incredibly well received, and our sales doubled and tripled everyone else in the food court. We started franchising a year later and became very successful. We had wonderful connections with all the major Mall Developers in the country and grew to doing business in 35 states.
What’s New in the Business or in the Franchise Model?
We have just completed a rebranding of the The Steak Escape Sandwich Grill. The new rebranding is designed for “on street” locations as this is where we are headed. We are focusing on strip centers, strip center end caps with drive thru’s, and free-standing locations. We will also still do non-typical locations such as Colleges, Universities, and Airports. We have re-created our menu to include incredible new items such as “Awesubs”, “Fresh Fry Nation”, and “Healthy Bowls”. We have also integrated our Core Values of Passion, Purpose, and Pride into our Franchise Systems.
Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the Franchise/Business Moving Forward?
We are very excited about our new rebranding and feel we have absolute excellent food and wonderful customer service supporting the brand. Our current challenge now is getting back into selling Franchises and expanding our network to new markets.
What is your Goal for the Business Moving Forward?
We would like to begin by opening between 10 and 15 stores per year. Our team, infrastructure and track record to support a larger number of new franchise locations is in place and ready to grow the brand again.
Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Deliver?
Our Purchasing and Operations Departments handles our Training and Support. Currently they are ready to release a program for the entire system that will focus on increasing sales this coming year. It will be a program designed to deal with staffing, marketing and operations. All stores will be involved in the step by step process designed to move us forward.
Your most difficult moment at the Franchise Business?
Our most difficult moment in the Franchise business was when Mall food court rents went through the roof, and then malls started losing traffic. We had many franchisees in very tough and challenging situations.
How is your Franchise Model Structured?
- Franchise Training and Support Model?
We provide Management training in Columbus, Ohio prior to opening your restaurant. We will train as many people as you would like for no charge. We then send a team to the store opening to help further training and crew training. Our field consultants will then continue to communicate on a regular basis and visit the store and provide needed Support.
B. What is the Fee Structure for Steak Escape?
Our Franchise Fee is $25,000. Our Royalty is 6%.
C. Territory Definition for the Steak Escape Franchise?
We are interested in most parts of the U.S. as we have been there already.
D. Day in the life of a Franchisee?
We wake up each morning eager to share our Passion
We work all day with Purpose – to build inspired relationships with our guests, our crew,
and our neighbors
We are filled with Pride at the end of the day knowing we’ve made a difference
What does Your Franchisee Do in the Business Every Day?
Some of our Franchisees are actual store managers and others choose to hire managers. So some of our Franchisees work in the store providing great food and customer service, and the others work on the aspects of what is occurring in their store(s) and how they can continue providing wonderful food, customer and community service.
Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?
The most crucial aspect of finding a great franchisee is to find people who are in line with our core values of Passion, Purpose, and Pride and how these values are integrated into our Franchise system. Having restaurant experience potentially helps in certain aspects as well as already being in the Franchise business. Our mission is “to be the day’s highlight of everyone who walks through our door”. Our Franchisees must be totally dedicated to that.
Success Stories and Failures with Franchisees?
The most crucial aspect of finding a great franchisee is to find people who are in line with our core values of Passion, Purpose, and Pride and how these values are integrated into our Franchise system. Having restaurant experience potentially helps in certain aspects as well as already being in the Franchise business. Our mission is “to be the day’s highlight of everyone who walks through our door”. Our Franchisees must be totally dedicated to that.
What Goals Do you Have for the Franchise Model in the Future?
For more information on the Steak Escape Franchise, visit the franchise site here:
https://franchiseconduit.com/franchise/steak-escape-sandwich-grill-franchise/