How much does a Charleys franchise cost?
Charleys has three separate 2026 Item 7 investment ranges, so the required capital depends on the restaurant format. A CPS Restaurant is estimated at $203,492 to $696,266; a CPSW Restaurant is estimated at $202,690 to $1,004,447; and a CPSW Restaurant in a Walmart Location is estimated at $252,061 to $646,224. These totals include the initial franchise fee and three months of Additional Funds, but they do not convert the buyer's liquidity or net-worth qualifications into startup costs.
This is the broadest published span across Charleys' three 2026 formats, not a single universal range. The specific Item 7 contract is CPS, CPSW, or CPSW in a Walmart Location. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 10–16; the official Charleys cost page currently highlights the CPSW range.
- Legal franchisor
- Gosh Enterprises, Inc.
- FDD basis
- U.S. Franchise Disclosure Document issued April 28, 2026; Items 5, 6 and 7, with cost-relevant details from Items 8, 10, 11 and 17.
- Formats priced
- CPS Restaurant; CPSW Restaurant; CPSW Restaurant in a Walmart Location.
- Verification date
- July 21, 2026. A matching public FDD was not located on a franchise-controlled website, so FDD references below are unlinked Item/page citations. The Wisconsin franchise filing record identifies Gosh Enterprises, Inc. and a registration date of April 28, 2026.
Which Charleys format does each investment range cover?
The 2026 FDD prices three cost contracts, not every marketing label used on the franchise website. The official Charleys franchise-model page describes freestanding, inline, prior-generation conversion and nontraditional venues, but Item 7 provides only the CPS, CPSW and Walmart Location ranges below. A conversion or prior-generation site may change construction needs, yet the FDD does not publish a separate conversion total.
CPS Restaurant
Charleys' cheesesteak-focused model in mall food courts, airports, military bases and certain inline or strip-center premises. Item 7: pp. 10–11.
CPSW Restaurant
The wings-and-cheesesteaks format in leased inline strip centers or freestanding sites. Item 7: pp. 11–13.
Walmart Location
A CPSW Restaurant inside a Walmart Store, with additional payments and a Sub-Sublease involving CPS Sites LLC. Item 7: pp. 13–16; Item 10: pp. 21–23.
2026 Item 7 total investment ranges by format
The horizontal position shows each disclosed low-to-high range on a common $0 to $1,004,447 scale.
Interpretation: CPSW has the widest range because its high-end Leasehold Improvements, Equipment/Furniture/Fixtures and Signage allowances are materially larger. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 10–14. All plotted values are official FDD facts.
What is included in the initial investment?
Item 7 includes the Initial Franchise Fee, premises development, approved equipment and technology, signage, professional services, training travel, insurance, deposits, pre-opening occupancy costs, a Grand Opening Marketing Kit and Additional Funds. The official total also includes three months of working-capital-related expenses; Additional Funds should not be added again.
Premises, equipment and required systems
| Item 7 category | CPS Restaurant | CPSW Restaurant | Walmart Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leasehold Improvements | $50,000–$329,000 | $50,000–$485,000 | $75,000–$246,000 |
| Equipment/Furniture/Fixtures | $50,931–$145,000 | $42,270–$215,000 | $58,341–$196,000 |
| In-Restaurant Music/Media System | Not listed | $350–$1,800 | $350–$1,800 |
| POS and Kiosk System | $12,711–$15,766 | $16,220–$26,147 | $16,220–$18,799 |
| Signage | $5,000–$20,000 | $9,500–$65,000 | $8,500–$25,900 |
| Architect & Engineer | $8,000–$16,000 | $10,000–$30,000 | $14,900–$19,000 |
| Real Estate Lease or Sub-Sublease | $12,500–$80,000 | $10,000–$80,000 | $14,400–$39,225 |
Pre-opening, protection and working capital
| Item 7 category | CPS Restaurant | CPSW Restaurant | Walmart Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $24,500 | $24,500 | $24,500 |
| Training travel and living expenses | $4,000–$8,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Insurance | $3,850–$11,000 | $3,850–$11,000 | $3,850–$11,000 |
| Deposits and Professional Fees | $1,000–$7,000 | $1,000–$8,000 | $1,000–$6,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing Kit | $7,000–$10,000 | $7,000–$10,000 | $7,000–$10,000 |
| Additional Funds, first 3 months | $24,000–$30,000 | $24,000–$40,000 | $24,000–$40,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $203,492–$696,266 | $202,690–$1,004,447 | $252,061–$646,224 |
The three-month Additional Funds estimate includes initial product supplies, utilities, working capital, payroll and other startup funds. The FDD says a CPS Restaurant may need salaries for 12 to 25 employees, while a CPSW Restaurant may need salaries for 20 to 30 employees. The estimate does not state that owner compensation is included. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, p. 16.
Item 8 estimates that approved or designated sources account for approximately 90% of the purchases and leases needed to establish a Restaurant and approximately 95% of those needed to operate it. That supplier structure affects equipment, signs, food, beverages, packaging and other required inputs; an alternative supplier must be approved before use and may trigger the disclosed evaluation charge. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 8, pp. 16–20.
CPSW Restaurant: highest disclosed Item 7 amounts
Maximum-only comparison. These are official upper bounds, not typical costs or a recommended budget.
Interpretation: at the high end, physical development dominates the CPSW cost range. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7, pp. 11–13. All values are official maximums; the bar lengths use $485,000 as the chart scale.
When is the money paid?
The first fixed payment is the Initial Franchise Fee when the Franchise Agreement is signed. Most other Item 7 costs are paid to contractors, landlords, architects, approved suppliers and service providers as the site is secured, designed, built and stocked. The FDD estimates 180 to 360 days from signing to opening, subject to real estate, ordinances, construction and financing. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 11, pp. 25–26.
Before signing or paying
The franchisor must deliver the disclosure document at least 14 calendar days before a binding agreement or franchise-related payment. The FTC franchise buyer guide explains how to use that review period.
At Franchise Agreement execution
Pay $24,500 for the first Restaurant, or $15,000 for a second or subsequent Restaurant. The fee is fully earned and nonrefundable. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 5, p. 5.
During site selection
A proposed site is generally due within 180 days. An approved extension costs $2,500 each. A lease, sublease or purchase contract is generally due within 30 days after site approval. Source: 2026 FDD, Items 5 and 11, pp. 5–6 and 25–26.
During design, construction and procurement
Leasehold Improvements, Architect & Engineer, Equipment/Furniture/Fixtures, POS and Kiosk System, Signage, insurance and deposits are paid as arranged. Evidence of required insurance and payment is due no later than 10 days before construction and again at policy renewal. Training travel is paid as incurred; at least two people must complete the initial program. The official Charleys process overview places real estate and training after agreement execution.
Before opening and through month three
The Grand Opening Marketing Kit is purchased before opening, while opening inventory, payroll, utilities and working capital are covered within the three-month Additional Funds allowance. These funds are already inside the official Item 7 total.
What changes for a Charleys location inside Walmart?
A Walmart Location adds a separate premises relationship with CPS Sites LLC, the franchisor's affiliate. The franchisee signs a Sub-Sublease and may pay an Advance Payment, Plan Review Fee, Placement Fee, percentage rent, digital-menu support, a technology fee, and project-specific improvement or architectural charges. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 10, pp. 21–23.
The FDD cover states that $39,500 to $101,600 of the Walmart Location investment is paid to Gosh Enterprises, Inc. and its affiliates, compared with $24,500 to $27,000 for CPS and CPSW Restaurants. This does not replace the line-item table; it identifies the portion expected to flow to the franchisor group.
| Walmart obligation | Disclosed amount | Timing or condition |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Payment | $1,000 | At Sub-Sublease signing; credited against later amounts. |
| Plan Review Fee | $1,400 | At Sub-Sublease signing. |
| Placement Fee | $750 | At Sub-Sublease signing. |
| Digital Menu Board Support Fee | $27.50/week | Electronic payment by Wednesday. |
| Technology Fee | $6.50/month | Payable to CPS Sites. |
| Alternative internet access | $150/month | Only when the franchisee selects an ISP other than Walmart's preferred provider. |
| Architectural Fee | $11,900; $13,400 in California | For a new, relocated or expanded location; due 10 days before delivery. |
The Walmart Item 7 estimate also says the real-estate line includes the Advance Payment, Plan Review Fee and Placement Fee. Adding those charges again would double-count them. Walmart retains the right to implement additional fees under the Master Lease, so the executed premises documents remain a material cost source beyond the standard Franchise Agreement.
Which fees continue after opening?
The principal recurring obligations are the weekly Royalty and the Advertising and Promotion Obligation. Technology support, kiosk software and Walmart premises charges continue separately. These are operating obligations and are not automatically included in Item 7 except where an initial payment is expressly included.
| Recurring obligation | Amount or basis | Payment timing and format |
|---|---|---|
| Royalty | Greater of $300 or 6% of Gross Sales | Due by Thursday each week for the preceding week's Gross Sales; all formats. |
| APO: CPS and Walmart Location | Currently 3% of Gross Sales | 1% Marketing Fund plus 2% Local Store Marketing. |
| APO: CPSW outside Walmart | Currently 4% of Gross Sales | 1% Marketing Fund plus 3% Local Store Marketing. |
| Brink POS support | $160 or $270/month | Depends on the approved terminal and kitchen-display configuration. |
| Kiosk software service | $120/month | Additional to POS support under Item 11. |
| Walmart Rent/CAM/Utility Fee | 10% of weekly Gross Sales; minimum unresolved | Due by Wednesday; see the FDD conflict described above. |
| Charleys Kids Foundation | $0.03 per combo meal sold | Current franchisee contribution disclosed in Item 11, p. 29. |
- Gross Sales basis
- Aggregate sales of food, beverages, products and services connected with the Restaurant, excluding collected-and-remitted sales or service taxes, customer refunds and adjustments, and promotional discounts. Source: 2026 FDD, Item 6, p. 9.
- APO ceiling
- Gosh Enterprises may increase or reallocate the APO up to 5% of Gross Sales. A cooperative or special regional promotion can create additional obligations under the conditions stated in Items 6 and 11.
- Local Store Marketing
- LSM is an expenditure requirement, not necessarily a payment to the franchisor. Documentation may be requested quarterly, and a shortfall may become payable to the Marketing Fund after demand.
Which fees apply only when an event occurs?
Item 6 contains several charges that do not occur in every operating year. Their timing depends on a transfer, renewal, inspection result, training requirement, payment default, supplier request, contract default or other triggering event.
| Trigger | Disclosed charge | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Site-selection extension | $2,500 each | For each extension approved after the 180-day Site Selection Period. |
| Extra menu-price update | $200 per occurrence | After two no-charge requested updates per year. |
| Transfer | Greater of $10,000 or franchisor costs | At an approved transfer. |
| Renewal | $10,000 | When the new Franchise Agreement is signed; renewal also requires compliance, a new agreement, a release and a Restaurant remodel. Shorter renewal terms may be priced at $1,000 per additional year. |
| Failed inspection/non-compliance | $500–$1,500 | Upon demand, plus reimbursement of expenses. |
| Ongoing training | $1,500–$3,500 per program | When required or offered under the FDD terms. |
| Alternative supplier review | Estimated $1,500–$2,000 | Reimbursement of evaluation and inspection costs. |
| Test products | $1,000–$6,000 | Reasonable quantity required for a market-research test. |
| Late payment | $50 plus interest | Interest is the lesser of 12% annually or the legal maximum. |
| Early termination for default | 3× prior-year royalties | Liquidated damages due within 30 days after termination based on the default provision. |
- Marketing materials: $1,000 to $4,000 per order, plus administrative, shipping, handling and storage charges.
- Insufficient-funds service payment: $50 when the designated account lacks funds.
- Audit: the cost of the audit if required information is not supplied or Gross Sales are understated by more than 1%.
- Insurance or maintenance intervention: variable reimbursement if the franchisor obtains required coverage or performs required maintenance.
- Special assistance, attorneys' fees, collection costs and indemnification: variable out-of-pocket costs under the conditions in Item 6.
- Technology changes: Item 11 permits required hardware and software upgrades without a contractual limit on cost or frequency.
How much liquid capital and net worth does Charleys require?
The current official franchise website states a $200,000 liquid-cash requirement and a $650,000 net-worth requirement. These screening thresholds were checked July 21, 2026 on the official Charleys franchise website. They are not Item 7 expenses: liquid cash is available funding, while net worth includes assets minus liabilities and is not the same as cash available to invest.
Item 10 states that Gosh Enterprises does not offer direct or indirect financing and does not guarantee a note, lease or obligation. The official cost page says Charleys has relationships with third-party lenders, but approval and terms remain lender decisions. A financing relationship does not reduce the Item 7 total or guarantee that borrowed funds will satisfy Charleys' liquid-cash screen.
What does the published range not fully resolve?
The Item 7 range is an estimate, not a fixed construction quote. The FDD specifically leaves several obligations dependent on the selected premises, local conditions, approved suppliers and later system requirements.
- Real-estate purchase price: Item 7 assumes leased premises and excludes buying land or a building.
- Site-specific build-out: union labor, dining areas, drive-thru requirements, premises condition and local material costs can move the project within the range.
- Owner compensation: Additional Funds include payroll but do not expressly identify owner salary or draws.
- Future upgrades: required POS, kiosk, software, hardware, remodel and system changes may create later costs.
- Walmart document terms: the Sublease and Sub-Sublease may contain location-specific charges and must resolve the FDD's inconsistent minimum-rent and improvement-charge figures.
- Financing costs: interest, lender fees, collateral requirements and approval terms are not included as a standardized Item 7 line.
What should a prospective franchisee verify before signing?
The capital decision should be made against the format-specific Item 7 table, the exact site proposal and the agreements that create recurring or conditional fees. A buyer should not substitute the franchise fee, liquid-cash threshold or broad website range for the full investment analysis.
Cost synthesis: the verified 2026 startup ranges are $203,492–$696,266 for CPS, $202,690–$1,004,447 for CPSW and $252,061–$646,224 for a Walmart Location. The largest uncertainty is premises development, while the principal continuing obligations are the greater of $300 or 6% of Gross Sales for Royalty, a 3% or 4% format-specific APO, technology charges and event-triggered fees. The official site separately states $200,000 in liquid cash and $650,000 in net worth; those qualifications are not substitutes for the complete Item 7 capital requirement.