STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$239,500 - $828,500
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total US Locations
23
Business Summary
STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL® operates a comprehensive retail food service outlet specializing in the sale of high-quality specialty sandwiches, salads, potatoes, fresh-cut french fries, and fresh-made lemonade. The system uses unique in-store merchandising techniques and adheres to uniform procedures.
Corporate History
Escape Enterprises, Ltd. was formed in Ohio on September 30, 1996. The company first began franchising under its 'STEAK ESCAPE' concepts in October 1996. Since August 2012, STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL has continuously offered franchises for its retail food outlets specializing in specialty sandwiches, salads, and fresh-cut fries. While STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL previously franchised under variations like 'STEAK ESCAPE GRILLE' and 'STEAK ESCAPE EXPRESS', it has ceased selling new franchises under those older names, though existing units continue to operate under them. STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL also licenses its 'STEAK ESCAPE' marks to Reef Kitchens for certain food and beverage items.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$239,500 - $828,500
Franchise Fee (Low)
$25,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$25,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
1.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$162,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$667,000
Working Capital
$25,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Escape Enterprises, Ltd. appears to be in a stable financial position, with over $1 million in cash as of December 31, 2024. The company reported a net income of $6,726 in 2024, which is lower than the $208,322 reported in 2023. The auditors did not identify any conditions or events that would raise substantial doubt about Escape Enterprises, Ltd.'s ability to continue as a going concern. Management believes that industry-typical lawsuits and charges will not have a material effect on the company's financial standing.
Financing Details
Escape Enterprises, Ltd. does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
23
Franchised Units
19
Corporate Units
4
Avg Square Footage
1,500
Franchising Since
1996
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
Escape Enterprises, Ltd. has one disclosed litigation case. The case, filed in 2022, is against SESHMS Inc. and others in the Court of Common Pleas, Franklin County, Ohio, regarding suits to collect royalty payments. There is no other litigation required to be disclosed.
Bankruptcy History
Escape Enterprises, Ltd. has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL® franchisees must provide timely written notice, pay a renewal fee as outlined in Item 6, and ensure they and their Principal Owners sign a release of claims against Escape Enterprises, Ltd. They are required to refurbish or remodel their restaurant to meet current standards, which can cost between $10,000 and $100,000. Franchisees must also provide a copy of their current lease or sublease and complete any necessary refresher training. Renewal involves signing a new Franchise Agreement based on the then-current standard terms, which may be significantly different from the original contract.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Escape Enterprises, Ltd. provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL® trains a minimum of two certified managers, provides management and operations manuals including a Design Criteria Guide and preliminary layout drawings, assists in agreeing on a restaurant location, and provides lists of preferred vendors, smallwares, and equipment. During operation, Escape Enterprises, Ltd. offers periodic consultation and advice on restaurant development and operation, shares new know-how, techniques, and improvements in management, food preparation, and services. The franchisor also makes additional services, facilities, rights, and privileges generally available to all franchisees. For marketing, Escape Enterprises, Ltd. approves and produces materials which it may distribute, requires franchisees to use approved suppliers for these materials, and requires prior consent for any self-produced advertising. Escape Enterprises, Ltd. maintains a marketing fund and requires franchisees to spend at least 2% of their Gross Sales on local and regional advertising. Franchisees may also be required to join advertising cooperatives and contribute up to 4% of Gross Sales, which counts toward their local advertising requirement. Escape Enterprises, Ltd. mandates the purchase and use of its specified POS system, requiring high-speed internet and an on-site computer for electronic communication with the franchisor. Updates to the POS system and software may be required at the franchisee's expense.
Initial Training Hours
212
Training Location
Escape's headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and at the franchisee's restaurant.
Ongoing Support
Escape Enterprises, Ltd. provides ongoing support by periodically consulting with and advising STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL® franchisees on restaurant development and operations. This includes communicating know-how, new developments, techniques, and improvements in areas such as restaurant management, food preparation, and services. The franchisor also makes generally available additional services, facilities, rights, and privileges to all franchisees. Refresher and remedial training may be required and charged at a fee. The franchisor manages a marketing fund and provides approved marketing materials. Franchisees are required to use specific POS systems, which Escape Enterprises, Ltd. may require to be updated at the franchisee's expense.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL franchisees are not granted an exclusive territory or a minimum territory for a single unit. They may face competition from other STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels controlled by Escape Enterprises, Ltd. For multi-unit development agreements, the territory size is subject to negotiation and there is no guaranteed minimum territory specified.
Staffing Notes
Each STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL® restaurant must have at least two Escape-certified on-premises managers present during all operating hours. These managers must successfully complete the franchisor's training program before the restaurant opens. If a principal owner will not serve as a certified manager, they may need to complete an abbreviated training course. Franchisees must also appoint an acceptable individual who has completed training to act as a liaison with Escape Enterprises, Ltd. All employees are required to wear specified uniforms, provide courteous service, and maintain good personal hygiene and appearance according to the franchisor's operational standards.