Still run by its entrepreneurial founder, Charley Shin, Charley’s Grilled Subs has sustained steady growth, with a more than 20 percent increase in total number of units gained between 2006 and 2008. A franchised, quick-serve, Philly Cheesesteak operates more than 400 locations globally.

In a statement released today, Charley’s offered the following reason why it was chosen: “Although all restaurants are facing challenges in the current economy, sandwich shops in general are doing better than most other categories due to their reasonable costs and limited, customizable menus, which enable franchisees to keep costs down.”