Back in 1982, self-proclaimed cheesesteak addicts Ken Smith
and Mark Turner decided it was time to share their addiction
with the rest of the world. They ventured out – much to the
discouragement of friends and family – and opened their first
Steak Escape in Columbus, Ohio. Their first store wasn’t much larger than a closet – 209
square feet – but that didn’t stop it from becoming the sales
leader
in the market area where the business resided. To
Smith and Turner though, it was no surprise, because they
believed consumers wanted and deserved something better
than an ordinary sandwich. For Steak Escape, eating out had to be a memorable
experience that extends beyond the food. The plan involved
examining every layer of their business model and aligning
them to be more customer-centic in order to fulfill their
mission: To be the day’s highlight of everyone who walks
through the door. While we offer what we believe to be the best cheesesteaks
and grilled subs out there, more importantly, we believe
we’re part of something bigger. The Steak Escape culture
now centers on three simple words: PASSION, PURPOSE and
PRIDE. We believe these are the core values that set us apart
from our competition.
