Long Island-based Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks, the fast-casual restaurant known for serving up authentic Philly cheesesteaks, is marking a decade of success by opening up its business to franchisees beyond Long Island. With five locations and two food trucks operating throughout Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties in New York, Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks is now looking to share its cheesesteak legacy across the Tri-State area.
A Philly Icon with a New York Twist
When it comes to cheesesteaks, Philadelphia’s Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s are often hailed as iconic spots to grab the famous sandwich. If you live on Long Island, Chiddy’s might be at the top of your mind.
Chiddy’s CEO, Mike “Chiddy” Chidester, has brought a taste of that same cheesesteak magic to New York, and locals are eating it up. “We’re helping other entrepreneurs like us secure their futures with a turnkey system for success built around a high-demand product,” Chidester explains. “Customers no longer have to travel to Philly for an authentic cheesesteak sandwich.”
Chiddy’s started as a food truck business in 2014, popping up at popular spots like Citi Field and Adventureland in Farmingdale, where the mobile eatery quickly developed a loyal following. In fact, its ability to replicate the true Philly experience right in Long Island helped propel Chiddy’s into opening five brick-and-mortar locations.
“Bringing the beloved, authentic Philly cheesesteak to Long Islanders along with lots of other ‘good mood foods’ like hot dogs, wings, empanadas, and fries created the demand for dine-in, takeout, and delivery,” says Chidester.
From Philly to Franchise: Bringing Cheesesteaks Nationwide
Now, with the help of franchise expert Gary Occhiogrosso of Franchise Growth Solutions, Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks is gearing up to spread the love for its cheesesteaks beyond Long Island. “The cheesesteak is a classic American sandwich,” says Occhiogrosso. “Chiddy’s takes a time-honored favorite and makes it better with the freshest, handmade ingredients.”
Chiddy’s expressed their franchise model is designed to be low-cost and easy to replicate. This would provide a simple but effective business plan for entrepreneurs looking to bring top-quality cheesesteaks to their communities. Franchisees will not only serve up the famous Philly sandwich but will also enjoy a full menu. The Chiddy’s menu includes breakfast all day, loaded fries, empanadas, vegetarian options, and kid-friendly meals under the Lil Chiddy’s banner.
For customers, the experience doesn’t stop at the food. Chiddy’s unique vibe, inspired by its food truck origins, is recreated inside every store, offering a fun, laid-back dining environment.
A Growing Family of Cheesesteak Lovers
For franchise owners like Joe Archipolo in Commack, joining the Chiddy’s family has been a natural choice. “I was a Chiddy’s customer before I became an owner,” Archipolo says. “I was impressed with the quality of each menu item and saw, firsthand, the demand from consumers.”
As Chiddy’s celebrates ten years of cheesesteak success, the brand’s commitment to bringing authentic Philly flavors to the Tri-State area shows no sign of slowing down. Whether you’re in Farmingdale, West Islip, or Oakdale, the next best thing to a cheesesteak pilgrimage to Philly might just be right in your backyard.
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