The chain has 400 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico in the United States and in 15 other countries, including Canada, Dubai, Germany, Guam, Italy, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Panama, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. Formerly known as Charley's Steakery, the franchise was established in 1986 on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and is still headquartered there. The Charley's brand is supposedly "built on the essence of Brotherly Love, while honouring God and strengthening neighbors". The brand is focused on providing hot food, prepared in front of the customer.