Steak Escape Sandwich Grill Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Number of franchises

-23%

Investment required

$240,000 - $817,000

Revenue (AUV)

$704,000

Steak Escape Sandwich Grill: A Journey of Quality and Community

Founded in 1982, Steak Escape Sandwich Grill began its mission to provide a unique dining experience centered around its famous cheesesteaks. The franchise started expanding in 1983 and is renowned for its dedication to quality ingredients such as hormone-free chicken, USDA-certified beef, fresh-cut fries, freshly-baked rolls, and freshly-squeezed lemonade.

Beyond its menu, the brand emphasizes building connections with guests, crew, and the communities it serves, highlighting its role as a good neighbor and community pillar.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Steak Escape Sandwich Grill has seen significant growth since its inception. Originally rooted in mall food courts, the franchise has expanded to strip centers, airports, colleges, and standalone restaurants featuring table seating and drive-thru service.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$25,000
Initial Training Expenses	$2,000 - $4,000
Initial Inventory of Food, Paper Products and Misc. Supplies	$5,000 - $10,000
Space Lease (Security Deposit and First Three Months’ Rent)	$6,000 - $24,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements	$75,000 - $475,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment	$77,000 - $140,000
Signs and Graphics	$7,000 - $25,000
POS System	$3,500 - $15,000
Lease Negotiation Legal Expenses	$2,000 - $10,000
Architectural Services	$8,000 - $35,000
Insurance	$2,000 - $7,500
Uniforms	$1,000 - $2,000
Pre-Opening Advertising	$4,000 - $10,000
Utility Deposits, Business Licenses, and Prepaid Expenses	$2,000 - $4,000
Additional Funds – Three Months	$20,000 - $30,000
Total	$239,500 - $816,500

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Franchise Disclosure Document

Training

The Steak Escape Franchise Disclosure Document details several training programs offered to franchisees, each with specific focuses and requirements:

1. Director’s Training

Description: This program is designed for franchisees and approved personnel, emphasizing the management and operation of the restaurant.
Completion Requirement: All required Directors must complete this training satisfactorily at least 10 days before the restaurant opens to the public.
Location: Training is conducted at the franchisor's headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.
Additional Training: The franchisor may mandate additional training sessions or refresher courses, which can be held either at the Columbus, Ohio training restaurant or at the franchisee's restaurant location.

2. Franchisee Training Program

Target Audience: Individual franchisees or principal owners of a non-individual franchisee entity who will not manage the restaurant daily for at least the first three months.
Requirement: These individuals may need to complete the franchisor's standard training program for non-Director franchisees to the franchisor's satisfaction.

3. On-Site Staff Training

Procedure: The franchisor's training personnel will oversee a staff training program conducted by the franchisee at the restaurant location.
Completion: Training continues until it meets the franchisor's standards, potentially requiring a substantially completed restaurant and a Certificate of Occupancy as prerequisites.

4. Training Fees and Expenses

Coverage: The franchisor generally covers training fees and expenses, except for the franchisee's travel and living expenses.
Additional and Refresher Training: These sessions are provided at the franchisee's restaurant site as needed. Costs and content may vary, with some training potentially costing up to $5,000 and requiring repetition if not successfully completed.

Territory Protection

The franchisor does not provide exclusive territory protection. Franchisees may encounter competition from other franchisees, franchisor-owned outlets, or other distribution channels or competitive brands managed by the franchisor.

The franchisor reserves the right to sell products and services through various channels, such as mail order, telemarketing, Internet marketing, or other direct marketing activities, at its sole discretion, without granting any territorial rights to the franchisee.