Perhaps you have eaten at Charley’s Grilled Subs. According to their web site, they have more than 400 stores, many located in or near malls, and are the #1 Philly CheeseSteak chain in the United States. To me Charley’s was a lunchtime indulgence I looked forward to whenever I visited the Kitsap Mall in Silverdale. But as I learned today, even a great menu might not make you recession proof.
At Charley’s each sub is made to order and GIFOY (grilled in front of you) as their web site says. Combined with a paper cup of fresh hot gourmet fries and a cold drink, the Philly CheeseSteak sub makes a fabulous meal for under $8. If a steak-provolone-and-grilled-onion sub isn’t what you want, Charley’s also offers salads and a variety of other sandwiches. I could go to Charley’s after a good day of shopping or a bad one. Doesn’t matter. Either way my day was improved.
At the Kitsap Mall Charley’s was located in the Food Court by the mall’s main entrance along with restaurants like the Cajun Grill, Lotus Express, Kojo of Japan, and the ubiquitous Subway. Perhaps competing against the latter chain is what did in the local Charley’s franchise. Or perhaps they are a victim of the recession. I counted at least a half-dozen other shuttered stores at the mall. According to the Kitsap Mall manager, Charley’s didn’t say why they were closing or give any notice before they left town a couple of weeks ago. Their exodus was so recent that the mall directory still lists them as the tenant occupying space 113.
To be clear I’m just talking about one store and have no idea how the company itself is doing. Other local franchises (for example at the Tacoma and Southcenter malls) are still open. However, if you are a Charley’s fan, better check on your local store and have lunch there soon.
There’s an irony to today’s news. In the Food Court, next door to Charley’s old location, the Kitsap Mall is running an ad featuring an attractive model in designer sunglasses. “Look Up, Things Are Brighter” the ad says. I wonder if Charley’s would agree.
Mud Bay Blog 
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We’d definitely agree, things are brighter.
Although this location has closed, for now, we have every intention of reopening after we get a few things in order there.
Despite the Kitsap Mall location’s specific situation, we opened 11 stores around the country and world in quarter 2 and have 15 scheduled for the 3rd quarter. We’re almost at 400 total. Whenever you’re building, schedules can stretch, but as of right now, things are looking good. Sales are positive over last year too.
Sorry we closed up quickly. We should have given everyone a bit of a heads up. Thanks for the concern – we want to be reliable.
It’s great to hear that Charley’s was a positive part of your day at the mall. Honestly, that’s what we’re trying to do – we’re selling sandwiches, yes, but we’re trying to make sure that you’re having a good experience. If we can make your day better, well, we’ve achieved our goal. Of course, seeing you drool a little bit doesn’t hurt :)
While we’re reworking things there in Silverdale, feel free to ask us any questions and keep in touch. We’re up and running on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/charleys), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/charleysphillysteaks) and you can always sign up for our newsletter (http://charleys.com/) too.
Oh ya – don’t run any red lights on your way to Charley’s. It’s a common occurrence, but that $124 can go to better use!