With the opening of Cleavers Philadelphia in March 2016, a new chapter in Philadelphia’s legendary cheesesteak history began in the city’s busy centre. This brand originated from a family’s enduring love of quality and their ambition to turn the common cheesesteak into a gourmet dish. 

The family had been successfully running a cheesesteak manufacturing business for more than 40 years, and it was well-known across the world for its dedication to quality. But while working in this industry, the siblings came to the realization that they wanted to build something special—a restaurant that would provide a range of gourmet selections that would surprise and thrill in addition to the traditional cheesesteak.

The Cleavers Philadelphia Experience

Our mission is to present our guests with a dining experience where each mouthful tells a narrative about flavour and community. Our goal is to prepare and serve the tastiest, freshest dishes in a timely and polite manner. We want to demonstrate to the country that the Philadelphia cheesesteak is more than simply “whiz wit.”

The Philly cheesesteak Wonder

At Cleavers Philadelphia, we provide a wide variety of gourmet sandwiches, including ribeye steak, grilled chicken, and cutlet chicken, served on rolls, wraps, or naked in bowls. 

No chicken or beef? With our freshly sautéed Philly cheesesteak with portobello mushrooms, we’ve got you covered! We provide a range of salads and sides to suit every palate in addition to our sandwiches. 

Last but not least, remember to sample one of our famous Boozy Shakes or delectable milkshakes created with Bassetts Ice Cream Company ice cream. We infuse the sandwiches with flavour by cooking all the ingredients: high-quality ingredients, freshly prepared sandwiches, and other home-made goods. 

In addition to traditional philly offerings, our menu also offers vegetarian options catering to audiences that don’t eat meat.

The Cleavers’ Franchise Opportunity

With a Cleavers Philadelphia cheesesteak franchise, you may take advantage of a fantastic chance to introduce the genuine flavour of Philadelphia cheesesteaks to your neighbourhood. You will be a part of a culinary heritage at Cleavers that honours premium ingredients and flavours, ensuring that each meal is an unforgettable experience for your patrons. 

In addition to serving delectable cuisine, a franchisee will also establish a warm and inviting environment that will keep customers coming back for more.

Running a successful franchise, however, requires more than a passion for cuisine; it also necessitates a strong support structure. Cleavers offers thorough training, operational direction, and marketing support specifically designed to help you succeed.

Cleavers offers the resources and knowledge you need to be successful right away, from choosing the best site and establishing your restaurant to overseeing day-to-day operations and inventory.

Uniqueness of the Cleavers Philadelphia SR Franchise!

• Unique Culinary Approach: Cleavers Philadelphia differentiates itself through its innovative “chop” technique for preparing meat, which ensures a perfect texture that enhances the overall flavour of its cheesesteaks. This method allows the ribeye to be infused with the flavours of other sandwich ingredients, creating a more cohesive and delicious bite.
• Quality Ingredients: The brand prides itself on using only 100% USDA domestic ribeye, fresh chicken, and artisanal bread sourced from local bakeries. This commitment to quality elevates the taste of its offerings and appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for fresh and wholesome meals.
• Diverse Menu Options: Cleavers caters to a wide range of dietary preferences with options such as vegetarian cheesesteaks and customizable sandwiches. The ability to order sandwiches in various formats—on a roll, as a wrap, or “naked” in a bowl—ensures that every customer can find something that suits their taste and lifestyle.
• Exceptional Customer Experience: The restaurant focuses on providing a welcoming atmosphere and outstanding service, ensuring that every guest feels valued. Their unique catering solutions, including moisture-proof packaging that keeps sandwiches fresh during delivery, further enhance the customer experience.
• Community Connection: Cleavers emphasizes its family-owned roots and commitment to the local community, fostering a sense of connection with patrons. This narrative resonates with customers who appreciate supporting businesses that prioritize community engagement and quality service.
• Innovative Additions: Signature items like Boozy Shakes and unique sandwich combinations (e.g., Papa’s Favorite Steak) showcase Cleavers’ creativity and willingness to push culinary boundaries, making it an exciting destination for food lovers seeking something new.

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of what we do. Our inviting atmosphere and friendly staff create a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors. We take pride in our commitment to quality service, whether you’re dining in or ordering for delivery. With our online ordering system, enjoying Cleavers’ gourmet creations has never been easier. 

Plus, for those special occasions, our catering menu is designed to bring the flavours of Cleavers to your events, ensuring that your guests leave with full bellies and happy hearts. Experience the difference at Cleavers Philadelphia, where every bite is crafted with care and passion.

The cheesesteak franchise industry has grown significantly in the last five years, owing primarily to rising disposable incomes, increased consumer spending, and household earnings of more than $100,000 per year. In 2024, the quick-service restaurant (QSR) market, which includes cheesesteak franchises, is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 8.88% through 2031.

Cheesesteak franchises present a lucrative and dynamic opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to invest in the food and beverage sector. With a long-standing appeal among diners, cheesesteaks continue to attract a loyal customer base, making them a promising venture for investors. 

Why You Should Consider Investing in a cheesesteak Franchise

There are numerous reasons to invest in a cheesesteak business. Some of them include:

• Cheesesteaks have always been a classic. Since sandwiches are a timeless cuisine that will never go out of style, there will always be a demand for a cheesesteak.
• Simple to operate: You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to run a cheesesteak restaurant and deliver outstanding service.
• A wide range of cheesesteak alternatives: You can provide something for everyone because there are so many various kinds of toppings and regional theme variations available.
• Adaptable hours: cheesesteak franchises typically offer lunch and supper service, so you can manage your business as you see fit.

8 Key Factors to Consider in Selecting a Cheesesteak Franchise

When choosing the ideal cheesesteak business, consider several key factors that can greatly impact your success as an entrepreneur or small business owner. 

1. Market Demand: Evaluate the demand for cheesesteaks in your target location. Service-oriented cheesesteak houses have room to grow.
2. Brand Reputation: Opt for a franchise with a strong brand reputation to capitalize on established customer trust.
3. Financial Performance: Analyze the franchise’s economic performance, including revenue, profitability, and growth trends.
4. Investment Costs: Understand the initial franchise fee, which can be $50,000 per location, and ongoing royalty fees, which can be 5% of gross sales, plus 2% for other costs.
5. Location and Demographics: Your cheesesteak location is crucial. Examine the area’s foot traffic, demographics, and accessibility to prospective clients. The success of your business can be significantly impacted by its outstanding location.
6. Cheesesteak and Cuisine Quality: The caliber of your cheesesteak and the variety of your cuisine are important. To satisfy a range of palates, choose Cleavers Philadelphia, which offers premium cuts of meat and a diverse menu.
7. Franchisee Satisfaction: Get feedback from current franchisees to gauge their satisfaction. A happy franchisee base usually indicates a successful and encouraging franchising system.
8. Menu Innovation: Analyze the franchise’s capacity to change its offerings and accommodate shifting customer tastes. A cheesesteak house can draw in more customers by introducing new dishes. 

Benefits of Investing in Cheesesteak Franchises

Investing in a cheesesteak franchise can be a profitable business opportunity. A variety of unique benefits make cheesesteak franchises a smart investment decision for anyone looking to go into franchising. Here are some benefits of investing in a cheesesteak franchise.

• A well-established reputation and brand: Investing in a cheesesteak franchise gives you access to the resources of a reputable business. Well-known cheesesteak chains frequently have a devoted following of patrons who rely on the caliber and reliability of their dining experiences. This pre-existing trust might greatly decrease the time and effort needed to build a clientele from scratch.
• A Proven Business Plan: Successful cheesesteak chains have perfected their business plans, improving everything from pricing and menu selections to advertising tactics and day-to-day operations. Purchasing a cheesesteak franchise gives you access to a tested business plan that has already proven effective in attracting and keeping clients.
• Marketing and Promotion Assistance: Franchises typically assist their franchisees with marketing and advertising. This assistance includes access to expertly created marketing materials, competent social media management, and national and local advertising campaigns. By utilizing the franchise’s marketing resources, you can effectively compete in your local market and reach a wider audience.
• Ongoing Support and Training: Most cheesesteak franchises offer extensive training programs to equip franchisees and their employees with the know-how to operate the restaurant effectively. Training covers food preparation, customer service, inventory control, and financial reporting. Additionally, franchisees typically receive continuing support to help them overcome any obstacles that may arise.
• Large-Scale Purchasing Power: By joining a cheesesteak franchise, you can benefit from the larger company’s bulk purchasing power. This results in obtaining better offers and savings on necessary supplies, such as food, drinks, and equipment. Lower procurement expenses might significantly enhance your overall profitability.
• Lower Risk: Since starting a restaurant from scratch requires testing out novel ideas, some risks may be involved. On the other hand, investing in a cheesesteak franchise reduces a number of the risks connected to starting your own business. Your chances of success are significantly increased if you enter a market with an established demand and a track record of accomplishment.

6 Trends in Cheesesteak Franchises

Several key trends are expected to shape the franchise industry in 2025, impacting various sectors, including cheesesteak franchises. These trends encompass technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and economic factors. Some of these trends include:

1. Health-Forward Concepts: There is a rising demand for healthier dining options, and franchises are incorporating health-centric approaches to cater to this trend.
2. Expansion of Drive-Thru and Curbside Services: Franchises are expanding drive-thru and curbside services to meet the demand for convenience and speed. Designated curbside pickup spots, efficient check-in systems, and optimized staff training are crucial for seamless service delivery.
3. Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Brands: Ghost kitchens are gaining traction because they offer rapid service and high-quality meals, attracting interest in the fast-casual movement.
4. Technological Innovations: Technologies like advanced franchise sales CRM tools and automation integrations will optimize franchise development efforts by facilitating better communication and streamlining workflows.
5. Multichannel Marketing Campaigns: Franchisors are implementing multichannel marketing campaigns to connect with franchisees and customers through various channels, such as websites, social media, email, and app marketing.
6. Better AI Capabilities: By incorporating AI insights into marketing efforts, franchises can optimize campaigns and utilize personalization to connect with target audiences.

Start your cheesesteak franchise adventure with Cleavers Philadelphia!

Are you ready for an exciting franchise adventure? You don’t need to look any further! Cleavers Philadelphia invites you to join our thriving franchise network. Joining our team will allow you to introduce new communities to our mouthwatering flavors and outstanding dining experience.

Don’t pass up this wonderful investment opportunity; begin your franchising adventure with Cleavers Philadelphia today! 

Get in touch with us and join our growing brand.