According to Founder & CEO Charley Shin, Charley's Grilled Subs is a new-generation version of Charley's Steakery, the 170-unit international franchise chain that he founded near The Ohio State University campus in 1986.

With the opening of the Polaris location, Charley's is embarking on a new national expansion program which has begun in their home town of Columbus, Ohio. "Our Polaris prototype is the key vehicle for our new growth initiative," says Shin. "To reach our development goals, we needed to take a look beyond our Philly-Steak roots and outside of the mall environment where approximately 80% of our units are now located. Of course we will still offer our steak and chicken subs, but we have added other grilled sub-sandwiches as well as fresh deli salads, specialty soups, new gourmet fries, more beverages, and desserts."

The "fast casual" concept offers the convenience of fast-food service with the quality foods and preparations traditionally associated with table-service operations. Accordingly, the "fast casual" format is a direct response to current consumer desires and trends for quality ingredients and personalized meals, provided in a timely manner and at a fair price. Furthermore, the engaging customer experience at Charley's has been enhanced by a more contemporary environment that invites either a relaxing dining stay or an expeditious take-out alternative for those on-the-go occasions.

In making the move from a successful quick service chain with a specialized menu to a broader deli offering, Charley's joins the likes of Panera and Starbucks in providing a more upscale and contemporary "fast casual" restaurant experience. Accordingly, Charley's has also initiated a corporate-wide identity and name change (from Charley's Steakery to Charley's Grilled Subs).

Charley's Grilled Subs has nearly 200 restaurant units operating throughout the United States, Canada, Korea, Europe and Japan -- with many more units scheduled as part of the company's aggressive development plans. Overall retail-unit franchising is growing at nearly 50% annually.

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