They source premium ingredients, like 100% USDA choice steak, 100% all-white meat chicken, all-natural cheeses, and hand-cut vegetables-always grilled-fresh-to-order.
Charleys CheesesteaksBuilding A Cheesesteak Empire
Charleys Philly Steaks founder and CEO Charley Shin tasted his first Philly Cheesesteak back in 1985 while attending The Ohio State University. As a young undergrad with an appetite for success, Shin knew he wanted to share this sandwich experience with others in a big way. After experimenting with countless ingredients and perfecting his recipe, Shin turned his entrepreneurial dreams into reality in 1986 when he opened his first restaurant called Charley's Steakery, a 450-square foot space near The Ohio State University campus. With the support of his mother, Charley's Steakery became an instant hit with college students who craved the made-fresh Philly Cheesesteaks, loaded Gourmet Fries and all-natural Lemonades.#1 CheeseSteak in the World
As the customers (and rave reviews) rolled in, Shin worked on a growth plan. In 1991, Charleys started franchising with like-minded partners to share the Philly Cheesesteak love. In 2002, Charley's Steakery became Charley's Grilled Subs, putting emphasis on our “grilled-fresh-in-front-of-you” transparency. Now, Charleys Cheesesteaks is serving our favorite cheesesteaks, fries, and real-fruit lemonades at every Charleys. Select locations also serve classic and boneless wings, fried appetizers, and frozen shakes. With Charley Catering you can also enjoy our cheesesteaks and wings in your home or office.No matter the name, we've stayed committed to quality over the past 30 years.
With over 700 locations in 46 U.S. states and in 17 countries, Charleys can be found in retail shopping centers, airports, strip centers, and Army & Air Force bases worldwide.
Our Values
We're here to do two simple things:
- Serve delicious food
- Strengthen our community
We source premium ingredients, like 100% USDA choice steak*, 100% all-white meat chicken, all-natural cheeses, and hand-cut vegetables-always grilled-fresh-to-order. Our goal is to serve cheesesteaks, snacks, and beverages that you'll be craving long after dinner is over.
While we're serving delicious food, we're also committed to giving back to our neighbors. Our philanthropic foundation, Charleys Kids, delivers grants to non-profit organizations that serve youth through education, mentorship, and food literacy in the United States and around the world. 10 cents from every combo meal sold at participating Charleys is donated to the Charleys Kids Foundation.
Charleys Kids Foundation
The Charleys Kids Foundation serves youth organizations in the United States and around the world, with the mission of advancing the causes of education, mentorship, and food literacy for children and young adults.10 cents from every combo meal purchased at participating Charleys restaurants is donated to Charleys Kids
We'll Cover the Spread
Satisfying a crowd? We've got flavors everyone can savor. Feast on cheesesteaks, wings, fries, and signature drinks from Charleys.
The Charleys Kids FoundationCharleys Kids
We aim to strengthen communities worldwide by partnering with local programs that provide children with the critical resources to succeed through a trifold focus on education, mentorship, and healthy food.Letter from Charley
The Charleys Kids Foundation believes every child, regardless of their situation, deserves the opportunity to attain their dreams through access to a quality education.Quality education gives free rein to the untapped potential of children from all walks of life. Children learn that their circumstances do not define them. From the harsh neighborhoods of Columbus, OH, and throughout the US, to the emerging nations overseas, education opens doors for students to rise above their circumstances. With your support, we can ensure they have the opportunity they deserve.
Your participation, commitment, and contributions are essential. By working together, we can ignite their dreams, elevate their spirits, encourage their hearts, and empower their futures. Let us reimagine tomorrow's possibilities for these young minds, making a lasting impact.
WIKIPEDIACharleys Philly Steaks
American restaurant chain of Philly cheesesteak stores headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Formerly known as Charley's Steakery and Charley's Grilled Subs, the franchise was established in 1986 on the campus of Ohio State University. By 2017 there were 600 locations in 45 states and in 19 countries. Charleys is believed to have doubled in size in 2021. In addition to traditional Philly cheesesteaks, they also have other steak based sandwiches and multiple grilled chicken sandwiches, among other grilled sandwiches.While studying real estate at Ohio State University, Korean American Charley Shin worked in his mother's Japanese/Korean restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. While taking a trip to New York City, the Shins took a detour to Philadelphia, resulting in Charley's discovery of the Philly cheesesteak. Charley convinced his mother to take a break, sell the restaurant, and invest her life savings of $48,000 in "Charley's," a 450-square-foot restaurant across the street from Ohio State's campus.
- Charley's Philly Steaks - Philly Cheesesteak recipe?
[https://www.reddit.com/r/TopSecretRecipes/comments/p5z2xe/charleys_philly_steaks_philly_cheesesteak_recipe/]
xoemily I've tried to make this at home, but it never tastes the same. I think the biggest issue is the meat, since the rest isn't that difficult. The website just says "USDA Choice Steak." Type of bread they use would also be helpful.
- Nungut I make these subs daily. Here are a couple tips to getting it just right.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
- The "grade" of the meat matters a lot less than you would think. You want good beef but don't go all out on some super expensive stuff. What you really want to make sure of is that the meat is shredded very finely or "chipped". It also needs to Frozen. Like really frozen.
- Seasoning. The only seasoning we use are salt and pepper. 2 parts salt, 1 part pepper. The meat come pre seasoned with salt and pepper then more is added while it's cooked. Be liberal with your seasoning.
- Cooking method. You have to have a griddle for these and a very hot one at that. We run ours between 475 and 525.
- The Bread is basic white bread. It is baked every morning so it's very fresh but there is nothing fancy about it. If you go to your local deli and can talk them into giving you a loaf or 2 of their frozen bread that you could bake at home your bread game would be spot on.
- bobdob123usa What type of oil do you use? Do you use any kind of cooking oil on the gridle? Some use olive oil, but I think it has too low of a smoke point for the temps you use.
- Nungut The oil we us in an 80/20 vegetable and olive oil blend but that's only used to saute the veggies. Meat never gets oil.
- bhipbhip2 Hint...Charleys doesn't use oil
- CharleysCheesesteaks u/Nungut got it right - the secret is lots of salt and pepper for seasoning and fresh warm bread. Thinly sliced steak is key - chop it as you cook it and melt the cheese right in.
PSA - if you can go watch a grill master at Charles, you can pick up the technique.
Mashed2023
Try not to be scandalized, but the founder of Charleys Cheesesteaks is not, in fact, from Philadelphia. An immigrant hailing from Seoul, Korea, Charley Shin didn't put a glorious cheese-filled steak sandwich into his mouth until he was a college student. However, while he's not a Philly native, Shin's love for the city's iconic comfort food led him to create a Philly cheesesteak recipe all his own. A recipe that has gone on to be enjoyed by customers in more than 700 Charleys Cheesesteaks chains across the world - and counting. With plans to open at least 150 more locations by the end of 2023, a Charleys is likely coming to a mall near you. And when it does, you're going to need to know what to order, because the sacred Philly cheesesteak is not the only cheesesteak sandwich on Charleys' menu.
- Steak Philly Cheesesteak
The first-ever Charleys Cheesesteak. The cheesesteak that, after his college buddies gave the sandwich rave reviews, Charley Shin realized was irresistible. The Steak Philly Cheesesteak is brimming with steak, green peppers, mushrooms, onions, melted provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. The fact that Charleys layers its signature dish with provolone when Cheez Whiz is thought of as the designated cheese topping for the Philly cheesesteak has been a point of contention in the Philly cheesesteak community. However, we think Charley made the right call on this one.- Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
As we mentioned before, a cheesesteak sandwich does not necessarily have to use steak as its main meat. Thought to have come about thanks to the innovative spirit of one Philly-based "Schultzy" Schultz, the chicken cheesesteak is held in high regard by the City of Brotherly Love and, naturally, Charleys Cheesesteaks. Charleys Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is brimming with white chicken breast grilled cheesesteak-style with provolone cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickle. And every inch of this sandwich is absolutely delicious.- Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
A sub filled with chicken, provolone cheese, onions, banana peppers, and doused in spicy buffalo chicken sauce, the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak brings the heat.- Teriyaki Chicken Cheesesteak
America is nothing if not innovative. Especially when it comes to its food. And in true American spirit, Charleys Cheesesteaks has found a way to combine one of the most beloved sauces for Japanese food with Philadelphia's most sacred sandwich. The Teriyaki Chicken Cheesesteak is packed with teriyaki-slathered chicken, melted Swiss cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and a pickle slice. Subway's Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki wrap has nothing on this sandwich.- Bacon 3 Cheesesteak
Another twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak formula, our next Charleys Cheesesteak's star ingredient is bacon. The Bacon 3 Cheesesteak includes steak, provolone, cheddar cheese, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickle. Oh and, bacon. Bacon as in a singular strip.
We were initially hesitant at the prospect of this bacon-focused sandwich having only one slice of the meat horizontally placed on top of the sub's other ingredients. But it turns out Charley made the right call. This strip of bacon is perfectly placed so that you get a piece of crispy goodness in every bite. And, as expected, the saltiness of this sandwich's bacon pairs wonderfully with the steak.- Old School Cheesesteak
Before we get into it, it's important to note that the Charleys Old School Cheesesteak is not the OG Philly sandwich that made this chain a worldwide fast food favorite. Introduced in 2021, the Old Fashioned Cheesesteak, which packs extra steak, sauteed onions, and Cheez Whiz onto a roll, is what many people think of when they hear the words "Philly Cheesesteak" - more on that later. Originally meant to be a limited-time item, this sandwich became a permanent Charleys sub in 2023 due to its popularity.- Veggie Delight Cheesesteak
The Veggie Delight Cheesesteak is supposed to combine sauteed onions and peppers, mushrooms grilled Philly cheesesteak-style with provolone, cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, mayonnaise, and a pickle on a roll.- Bacon Chipotle Chicken Cheesesteak
Unlike the Chicken California, the Bacon Chipotle Chicken Cheesesteak is not a Charleys mainstay. Only here for the summer of 2023, this limited-time sandwich is allegedly packed with white chicken, sauteed onions, a slice of bacon, pepper jack cheese, and (obviously) chipotle ranch sauce.- Chicken California Cheesesteak
Advertised as an East Coast-style sandwich with "West Coast attitude," the Charleys Chicken California Cheesesteak is supposed to be brimming with white meat chicken, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, pickle, and of, course, the ingredient that makes this sandwich a California girl - ranch dressing (which was popularized in Cali thanks to Hidden Valley Ranch).
The Best & Worst Menu Items at Charleys Philly Steaks
Charleys Philly Steaks is always grilling fresh, as its motto says, but what does that mean for your health? We unpack the best and worst dishes on the CPS menu.Eat This, Not That!2019
Home of the #1 cheesesteak in the world is Charleys Philly Steaks, an American restaurant chain that's "always grilling fresh." Established back in 1986 in Columbus, Ohio, CPS has been serving people Philly steaks for decades. While they may be known for their delicious sandwiches, you may be wondering just how healthy the menu is.We consulted nutrition experts to weigh in on the best and worst dishes on the Charleys menu. Keep reading to find out what you should and shouldn't order off the Charleys Philly Steaks menu.
Philly Steaks
- Best: Philly Cheesesteak, Small
- 390 calories
- 15g fat (7g saturated fat, 0.5g trans fat)
- 1,030mg sodium
- 39g carbs (2g fiber, 5g sugar)
- 27g protein
- Worst: Pepperoni Cheesesteak, Large
- 1,080 calories
- 50g fat (22g saturated fat, 1.5g trans fat)
- 2,690 sodium
- 76g carbs (4g fiber, 8g sugar)
- 81g protein
Chicken Phillys
- Best: Chicken Philly, Small
- 370 calories
- 11g fat (6g saturated fat, 0g trans fat)
- 910 mg sodium
- 37g carbs (2g fiber, 3g sugar)
- 32g protein
- Worst: Chicken California, Large
- 950 calories
- 38g fat (14g saturated fat, 1g trans fat)
- 2,350 mg sodium
- 72g carbs (5g fiber, 6g sugar)
- 81g protein
Signature Lemonades
- Best: Original Lemonade, Regular
- 220 calories
- 0g total fat (0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat)
- 0mg sodium
- 58g carbs (0g fiber, 56g sugar)
- 2g protein
- Worst: Strawberry Lemonade, Large
- 390 calories
- 0g total fat (0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat)
- 0 mg sodium
- 102g carbs (<1g fiber, 98g sugar)
- 2g protein