COLUMBUS, OH - Charley's Grilled Subs, the Columbus Philly Steak sandwich favorite, is opening the first Charley's Philly Steaks at 1836 West Henderson Road. The new concept, part of Charley's continued commitment to growth, will offer diners a freestanding, fast-casual restaurant option with drive-thru, an upgraded menu, and modern interior décor.

Charley Shin, founder and CEO, graduated from Ohio State University and opened his first location near campus. It's still there after 25 years, helping solidify Columbus' ties to the past, present, and future of this successful restaurant chain.

"This is the next step in taking the Charley's brand around the globe," said Charley Shin. "Charley's Philly Steaks is a two-fold achievement - better options for our loyal customers and more opportunities for interested franchise buyers. By opening first in Columbus, our hometown, we're setting the groundwork for what we know will be a huge hit in the fast-casual industry."

While the restaurant franchise has seen dominant success across the world in malls, airports, and on military bases, Charley's Philly Steaks is designed to present a more upscale, fast casual concept. Gone are the paper plates and plastic ware, replaced with ceramic dishes and real silverware. Joining in the green movement, CPS is introducing eco-friendly take-out containers as well, made up of 60 percent post-consumer recycled material. Modern décor, lighting, and seating will be encompassed by bright and bold Charley's branding.

The classic menu items will still be available, like the Philly Cheesesteak and signature lemonades, but this menu has some new twists. The rice-based Philly Bowls give diners the superb quality of the sandwiches minus the bread, and every signature lemonade will be freshly made with real fruit - with a choice between strawberry, blueberry, and peach.

Foregoing the outdated "one size fits all" motto for serving food, hungry patrons can now choose between three different sizes of sandwich. Even more enticing are the eight different varieties of gourmet fries that can be ordered, like the Ultimate Fries with cheddar cheese, bacon and ranch - or the Philly Funnel Fries with cream cheese icing and powdered sugar. For dessert lovers on a health kick, there's an entirely new section of the menu devoted to the Signature Frozen Treats, all made with non-fat frozen yogurt.

Charley's plans on opening five to ten new CPS locations in 2012 following the opening on Henderson Road. The company, founded in 1986 by Charley Shin, has grown to more than 430 locations in 16 countries. In 2010 alone, 38 new Charley's restaurants opened and the company is planning to build another 46 locations this year.

About Charley's Grilled Subs
Charley's Grilled Subs is famous for their hot, fresh made-to-order Philly Steak Sandwiches and other 100 percent Certified USDA choice steak, chicken and deli subs, gourmet fries and freshly squeezed lemonade. The company, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, has more than 430 locations worldwide in 44 states and 16 countries. Founded in 1986, more than 90 percent of all Charley's Grilled Subs restaurants are run by franchisees. For more information, go to www.Charleys.com.

Contact:
John Everette,
Fishman Public Relations,
847-945-1300
or jeverette@fishmanpr.com