Charleys Philly Steaks

Charleys Philly Steaks is a well-established quick-service restaurant chain known for its Philly-style cheesesteaks, gourmet fries, and real-fruit lemonades. The company was founded in 1986 by Charley Shin near The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. What started as a single sandwich shop quickly flourished due to its commitment to fresh, made-to-order meals and authentic flavors. By the early 1990s, Charleys had expanded beyond its initial location, opening stores in shopping malls and urban centers throughout Ohio and nearby states. The brand's growth was propelled by franchising, and by the mid-2000s, it had become the largest cheesesteak franchise globally, with numerous locations in the United States and abroad.

As of November 2025, Charleys operates over 700 stores across 46 states and more than 20 countries. Its presence is notable in airports, military bases, and bustling retail environments. The brand's geographic reach spans major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas, as well as international markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. In recent years, Charleys has been actively expanding, focusing on both traditional inline retail spaces and freestanding drive-thru formats to cater to changing consumer preferences.

Under the leadership of founder Charley Shin, who also serves as CEO of its parent company Gosh Enterprises, Charleys employs approximately 3,500 people across its corporate and franchise network. The company, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, manages operations, franchise development, and real estate strategy from there.

Charleys offers a variety of store concepts, including mall-based food court units, street-side restaurants, and drive-thru locations, each designed to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. The brand's adaptable formats and established reputation make it an attractive tenant for landlords seeking reliable, high-traffic operators in both urban and suburban areas. With a strong pipeline of new locations planned for 2026 and beyond, Charleys Philly Steaks is set to continue its growth trajectory, leveraging its core menu, operational expertise, and versatile store formats to expand its market presence in the competitive quick-service restaurant industry.