Philly Connection’s popular Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches are selling like hotcakes in North Canton. The new Philly Connection restaurant, located at 4889 Portage St., is the company’s first in Ohio and is already building a loyal base of customers.
“It’s the closest you can get to a true Philly Cheeseteak,” says Suzanne Gradisher, a Philly Connection franchisee who owns and operates the North Canton restaurant with her brother, Ray Gradisher. “We’ve even had several customers who are originally from Philadelphia tell us how authentic-tasting our sandwiches are.”
At a time when many quick-service restaurants have menus filled with many different items to appeal to as many people as possible, Philly Connection specializes in cheesesteak sandwiches, subs and wings. From The Original, a classic Philly cheesesteak with lean steak, grilled onions and white American cheese, to The Plain Jane, with steak and cheese only, to The Mushroom, Chicken Cheesesteak, and specialty subs, there’s a sandwich to suit almost anyone’s taste. And the customizable “My Cheesesteak” option lets guests build their own sandwiches. Sandwiches start around $3.85 for a five-inch sandwich; $5.45 for a seven-inch.
According to QSR Magazine, the sandwich segment is proving to be profitable despite a downhill economy (Jan. 1, 2009). Darren Tristano, executive vice president at Technomic, a leading foodservice consultancy, says, “Though the economy has moved from bad to worse, the limited-service sandwich segment is holding its own. Its resilience comes from its ability to provide customers with a range of offerings from low cost to high end.”
What else is part of the Philly Connection appeal? The restaurants use premium, extra-lean steak and chicken with a secret marinade that enhances the juices and flavors of the meat. Sandwiches are served on special bread made for Philly Connection by a Philadelphia baker. And restaurants offer Tastykakes® products for desserts, straight from Philadelphia.
“Ohio is new ground for us and we hope to build more restaurants in the state in the next several years,” notes John Pollock, senior vice president of The Philly Franchising Co., based in Atlanta. “Suzanne is a strong operator and has quickly built a loyal following in North Canton.” Gradisher, who teaches full-time at the University of Akron, discovered the Philly Connection while living in Atlanta and hopes to open more locations in neighboring areas in the future. The North Canton restaurant can be reached at (330) 526-6788.
ABOUT PHILLY CONNECTION
Based in Atlanta, the Philly Connection® has over 50 restaurants in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The company was founded in 1984. For franchising or more information, visit www.phillyconnection.com <http://www.phillyconnection.com> or call (770) 952-6152.
North Canton, Ohio —
