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Tom & Chee Franchise Expands Reach with New Pittsburgh location

The new location is one of many that the melt franchise has in its pipeline as it continues to aggressively expand

If you’ve been wanting to get cheesy with it in Pittsburgh, the wait is over. “Shark Tank” phenom Tom & Chee melt franchise is bringing its delicious handcrafted melts, soups and grilled cheese doughnuts to Pittsburgh this fall. 

The new restaurant will not only be located downtown, but also will embrace the brand’s roots as it will be right next to a major ice-skating rink in Pittsburgh’s central business district. The new location will be open year-round starting in October. 

Franchisees Byron Sharp and partner Brad Holland, who have worked together as Magic Ice USA for more than 20 years in Pittsburgh, couldn’t be more excited. “We are thrilled to join the Tom & Chee family and work with a franchise we believe in,” says Sharp. “There’s nothing better than watching families have a good time together, and serving them delicious hot melts and soup after a day out skating on the ice will significantly enhance our customer experience.”

This new location is just one of many as the melt franchise is rapidly expanding. Tom & Chee just debuted its newest location in Cincinnati, which features a new prototype restaurant design and menu, and also has new franchise locations planned for Binghamton, New York, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

“Tom & Chee started as a scrappy pop-up tent serving warm, hearty food to cold ice skaters on Cincinnati’s Fountain Square,” says Roger David, President and CEO of GSR Brands, Tom & Chee’s parent company. “We are excited to bring that story full circle in Pittsburgh in time for Tom & Chee’s 10th anniversary year with a brand-new restaurant close to Pittsburgh’s outdoor ice-skating rink.”

melt franchise Employees with we're open signs - Tom&Chee franchise openingWhy Now is the Time to Invest in a Tom & Chee franchise

Tom & Chee is actively seeking new franchisees as it expands in the Pittsburgh region and throughout the Midwest. Entrepreneurs who invest in our thriving melt franchise will quickly see that it’s a best-bet investment. Not only will you capture the millions of guests we’ve acquired with our multiple appearances on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” you also will tap into our incredible brand recognition once our brand emerges in your community. 

I know what you’re thinking: it’s just grilled cheese sandwiches, right? Although that’s our bread and butter, Tom & Chee has carved out our own lane in the $25 billion sandwich industry by offering a diverse menu featuring savory soups, fresh salads and handcrafted melts. Tom & Chee believes everyone deserves to be as cheesy as they want to be and enjoy the incredible food, which is why we offer gluten-free bread, vegan cheese and vegan/vegetarian soups. 

Most importantly, entrepreneurs won’t find a better melt franchise that offers an affordable opportunity, simple business model that’s easy to understand – and scale – as well as one of the most comprehensive training platforms in the franchise industry. From the moment you sign your franchise agreement, you will never be alone in business. At Tom & Chee, we are passionate about helping your business thrive and prosper over the long-term. 

Tom & Chee is led by a visionary executive team with more than 50 years of experience in helping franchisees thrive in the restaurant business. Our tight-knit family culture permeates our entire franchise system and this is evident in a fundamental rule we established when our franchisees need our support: provide an answer within 24 hours, no exceptions.

“Whether I or anyone else has the answer, that call is returned within 24 hours,” says Samir Daoud, Franchise Director with Tom & Chee. “Even if the answer is ‘I’m working on that for you,’ that owner gets an update. Their issues and concerns are important to us, and we make sure they get handled as quickly as possible.”

READY TO BRING THE ONE-OF-A-KIND MELT FRANCHISE TO YOUR COMMUNITY?

Don’t let this franchise opportunity melt away. Join the $23 billion sandwich industry by becoming a Tom & Chee franchise owner. The total cost to invest in a Tom & Chee franchise begins around $302,700, with an initial franchise fee of $30,000 for the first location. GSR Brands has more than 50 years of experience, and they are ready to help you prosper. Due to the high level of training and support, Tom & Chee doesn’t require you to have restaurant experience, only a passion for food and service.

For in-depth details about the Tom & Chee franchise opportunity, request a copy of our free franchise report. You also can learn more by visiting our research pages.