OUR MISSION

To be the day’s highlight of everyone who walks through our door.

OUR CORE VALUES

We wake up each morning eager to share our PASSION.

We work all day with PURPOSE – to build inspired relationships with our guests, our crew, and our neighbors.

We are filled with PRIDE at the end of the day knowing we’ve made a difference.

Back in 1982, self-proclaimed cheesesteak addicts Ken Smith and Mark Turner decided it was time to share their addiction with the rest of the world. They ventured out – much to the discouragement of friends and family – and opened their first Steak Escape in Columbus, Ohio. 

Their first store wasn’t much larger than a closet – 209 square feet – but that didn’t stop it from becoming the sales leader in the market area where the business resided. To Smith and Turner though, it was no surprise, because they believed their guests wanted and deserved something better than an ordinary sandwich. 

Over the years, Steak Escape has continued to grow and expand throughout the world. As people’s habits changed though, Steak Escape realized they needed to change as well. Dining convenience was on the rise and their customers were less willing to go to the mall just for a meal. 

So the Steak Escape team embarked on a broad strategy to re-invent themselves as a dining experience that’s different than other restaurants in their category. For Steak Escape, eating out had to be a memorable experience that extends beyond the food. The plan involved examining every layer of their business model and aligning them to be more customer-centic in order to fulfill their mission: 

To be the day’s highlight of everyone who walks through the door. 

While we offer what we believe to be the best cheesesteaks and grilled subs out there, more importantly, we believe we’re part of something bigger. The Steak Escape culture centers on three simple words: PASSION, PURPOSE and PRIDE. We believe these are the core values that set us apart from our competition.

WHO WE ARE IN 3 BITES:

FIRST BITE

Since 1982 we’ve been committed to the quality of our food and the freshness of our products – so that our customers can come into our restaurants and Eat Proud. Every morning our crew chops and slices vegetables, and it doesn’t stop there. We are dedicated to providing hormone free chicken and 100% USDA Choice Steak. Freshness is key, with fresh baked incredible steak rolls, fresh cut fries, and fresh squeezed lemonade. At the end of the day, we take pride knowing we have delivered awesome high-quality meals to all who come in. 

SECOND BITE

We are in the business of bringing people together and like to think of ourselves not as a cheesesteak company that serves people, but rather a people company that serves cheesesteaks. We differentiate ourselves in the marketplace by developing personal connections. Our goal isn’t just to feed people, but to give them an experience – to sit back, relax, and enjoy time with family and friends. Between our crew, our guests, and our neighbors – we are creating a family one bite, one smile, and one meal at a time.

THIRD BITE

We continually work to integrate ourselves into our immediate neighborhoods in helpful, meaningful ways – building connections and contributing to the growth of our thriving communities. We are proud to create rich, rewarding, and inspiring relationships through providing free meals to those in need, collecting and matching donations for local causes, and figuring out unique and creative ways to give back.

FRANCHISE MODELS