A Truly "SIZZLING" OPPORTUNITY...
The goal of Charley's Steakery is to be the leader in this industry by establishing a large family of successful franchises. 

Our philosophy has always been to bend over backwards for our customers in order to give them total satisfaction. We pledge this same individual attention and support to our franchisees.

The lifeblood of a profitable franchise enterprise is the profitability of the franchise relationship for both parties. Every business relationship has its problems, but in the franchising relationship it is vitally important that these problems be identified and resolved quickly, cheaply and fairly, to the satisfaction of both parties to the relationship. 

The National Franchise Mediation Program (NFMP) was created in 1993 by franchise leaders and the CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution to resolve franchise agreement disputes fairly, without the delay, expense, business uncertainties and the lasting antagonism that often accompany litigation.

Instant Imprints:
Since opening their first retail franchise store in San Diego in 2002, Instant Imprints has enjoyed phenomenal growth. Their "one-stop shop" concept appeals to franchisees and clients alike. "We're opening a store a week," says company president Leo Kats. With 80 territories already franchised in 18 states, including Alaska, Instant Imprints currently has 40 franchise territories open within the United States.
Part of Instant Imprints' appeal is its "5-in-1" business model. Every store offers five unique services: screen printing, embroidery, banners and signs, promotional items, and heat transfers. This selection attracts big-name clients, like Motorola, Qualcomm, and Bank of America, as well as small businesses, schools, sports teams, churches, and individual consumers who want mugs, T-shirts, and other items personalized.

February 2000

It's not so hard to see why consumers would be drawn to ads for business opportunities that trumpet claims like "be your own boss," "set your own hours," "work from home," and "earn money quickly." 

But as the Federal Trade Commission has repeatedly found, business opportunity promotions like these often are scams, taking consumers' money up front but failing to deliver on their promises in the end.

Prospective business owners can take steps to make sure they're not taken in by fraudulent business opportunities. Before investing in any "biz opp," the Federal Trade Commission suggests that consumers:

• Get all earnings claims in writing. If the promoter hesitates or refuses to give the information in writing, find another business opportunity.

• Interview references provided by the promoter of the business opportunity. Talk to each prior purchaser in person, preferably where their business operates. This may help reduce your risk of being misled by "shills."

Recently-released US Census Bureau data finds that women-owned businesses made up 26 percent of the nation's nearly 21 million non-farm businesses and 4.4 percent of the $18.6 trillion in receipts of all businesses that year. Women-owned businesses totaled 5.4 million in 1997 with 7.1 million employees and $81 billion in receipts.

Need a Loan? Think Twice About
Using Your Home as Collateral

November 2000

If you need money to pay bills or make home improvements, and think refinancing, a second mortgage, or a home equity loan is the answer - consider your options carefully. If you can't make the required payments, you could lose your home as well as the equity you've built up. Don't let anyone talk you into using your home to borrow money you don't really need.