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Philly’s Best

Information based on 2022 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1992
  • Franchising Since 2002
  • 18 US Franchises
  • $237K - $488K Investment Range
  • $771K Average Gross Revenue
  • 6% Royalty Fee
  • $38K Franchise Fee
Brand Description
Philly's Best is an authentic Philadelphia-style sandwich franchise that has been serving up genuine cheesesteaks and hoagies since 1992. What sets this brand apart is their unwavering commitment to authenticity – they source their ingredients directly from South Philadelphia, including the iconic Amoroso rolls that give their sandwiches that true Philly taste.

The franchise has built a loyal following by maintaining consistent quality and delivering an exceptional customer experience. Their menu features a variety of classic Philadelphia favorites, with their signature Philly's Best cheesesteak leading the way. Each sandwich is made to order with premium-quality sliced steak, melted cheese (including the authentic 'whiz' option), and fresh toppings on perfectly toasted rolls.

Beyond their famous cheesesteaks, the menu includes chicken variations, classic hoagies, and crowd-pleasing sides like their renowned cheese fries and crispy onion rings. The business model focuses on both dine-in and takeout service, with many locations offering outdoor seating options.

What makes Philly's Best particularly attractive as a franchise opportunity is their proven operational system and strong brand recognition. Their success is built on a foundation of excellent customer service, consistent food quality, and efficient operations. The franchise provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure each location maintains the high standards that have made the brand successful.

For entrepreneurs looking to enter the food service industry, Philly's Best offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Philadelphia food culture while operating in a thriving quick-service restaurant segment.
DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Philly’s Best?

$237K
$488K
Starting your own Philly's Best franchise - known for serving authentic Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and hoagies - requires a total investment between $237,000 and $488,000, which includes the $38,000 franchise fee plus all equipment, buildout, and working capital needed to bring that iconic Philly flavor to your community.
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$38K
Investment Range
$237K - $488K
Investment Midpoint
$363K
Minimum Cash Required
$237K
Royalty Fees
6%
Brand Fund
2%
Brand Bragging Rights
Authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak specialization
32 years proven operational history
Lower investment than sector average
Established loyalty rewards program
Diverse menu beyond core offerings
Territory expansion opportunities available
Financial Analysis
Philly's Best presents an entry-level investment opportunity with total capital requirements ranging from $237,000 to $488,000, positioning it well below the sub-sector averages of $419,677 to $864,432. This lower barrier to entry makes it accessible to emerging entrepreneurs seeking franchise ownership in the competitive sub sandwich market.

The sub sandwich sector benefits from consistent consumer demand for quick-service dining, though faces intense competition from established national chains. The franchise's reported gross revenue of $770,846 exceeds the sub-sector average of $608,302, suggesting operational efficiency despite the system's smaller scale.

With 20 units and 32 years of operation since 1992, Philly's Best demonstrates operational longevity but maintains a relatively small footprint compared to major competitors. This limited scale may impact brand recognition and purchasing power, though it potentially offers greater territory availability for expansion-minded investors.

The cheesesteak specialization provides menu differentiation in a crowded market, appealing to consumers seeking authentic Philadelphia-style offerings. However, the niche positioning may limit broader market appeal compared to traditional sub shops.

Ideal investors should possess restaurant industry experience, strong local marketing capabilities, and sufficient working capital beyond initial investment requirements. The lower investment threshold suits first-time franchisees or those seeking portfolio diversification. Multi-unit development opportunities may exist given the system's current size, though market saturation risks require careful territory analysis. Prospective investors must thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence to evaluate local market dynamics and operational requirements.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Philly’s Best. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

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Guidant Financial

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Location Analysis
Philly's Best maintains a strategic presence across multiple states, with a notable concentration in California representing a significant portion of their total footprint. The brand shows a balanced secondary market presence in the Midwest (Illinois and Michigan) and Mid-Atlantic regions (Virginia and Maryland), suggesting a deliberate expansion strategy beyond their West Coast stronghold. This geographic distribution indicates potential for significant market penetration in existing territories while maintaining operational efficiency.

The franchise's strong California presence, particularly in populous areas like Los Angeles County, suggests a strong market fit in urban and suburban locations with high foot traffic and diverse demographics. Their successful expansion into Midwest markets demonstrates adaptability across different regional preferences and competitive landscapes. The balanced distribution between coastal and inland locations indicates versatility in market positioning.

Ideal locations for new franchises should target areas with high daytime population density, proximity to business districts or educational institutions, and strong lunch crowd demographics. Markets with established sandwich culture and appreciation for authentic Philadelphia-style offerings present particularly strong opportunities. The current geographic spread suggests potential for infill expansion in existing markets, particularly in underserved areas between established locations in California and the Midwest corridor.
Total US Locations20
Open Franchises18
Corporate Locations2
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Philly’s Best. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Philly’s Best's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Philly’s Best. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Philly’s Best's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Philly’s Best's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2022. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

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