Popular Philly cheesesteak chain, Charleys, will open two eateries in Cedar Hill and Fort Worth later this year.
The Cedar Hill eatery will open soon inside of the Walmart at 621 Uptown Blvd.
The Fort Worth location is coming to 8401 Anderson Blvd, also inside of a Walmart.
Per lease intel, the forthcoming Charleys quick serve restaurants are taking over 2,100-square-foot spaces that previously housed McDonald’s. Starting in 2020, hundreds of McDonald’s eateries located inside of Walmart stores across the U.S. began closing due to slow business – a trend that only increased due to the pandemic.
The two big brands have been partnered together since 1994. At one point, McDonald’s had around 800 Walmart eateries open, but now the relationship no longer makes sense. At least that’s how Business Insider put it.
“McDonald’s restaurants inside Walmarts don’t have drive-thrus, which have become increasingly important across the fast food industry,” Mary Meisenzahl wrote in April 2021. “Meanwhile, Walmart has been growing e-commerce and curbside pickup, meaning that fewer customers were coming inside and deciding to buy McDonald’s during the trip.”
To replace the closing McDonald’s eateries, Walmart has turned to other well known brands like Taco Bell and Domino’s. But it is also taking a chance on some smaller brands – like Irving-based Mediterranean restaurant, Shawarma Press, and Croatia-founded chicken chain, Surfin’ Chicken.
Charleys began its Walmart expansion in 2020 in its home town of Columbus, Ohio, with an updated store design that included limited seating, arcade games and whimsical design elements.
“We are excited about this opportunity to partner with Walmart, and also to bring smiles to our guests with an updated and whimsical environment… It’s all about having a little fun and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of a busy day,” Brian Hipsher, Chief Marketing Officer for the brand, said at the time.
Founded by Charley Shin, the first Charleys opened in 1986 as Charley’s Steakery near The Ohio State University campus. Today, the brand has over 650 locations in 46 U.S. states and in 17 countries, and remains headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
Known for its cheesesteaks, fries, and real-fruit lemonades, sandwich options include the turkey Swiss melt, BBQ, teriyaki, buffalo, bacon three cheese, jalapeno and pepperoni. Select locations also serve classic and boneless wings, gourmet fries and frozen sweet treats.
