Cheba Hut Is Orlando, Florida’s Latest Attraction Thanks to Franchise Owner Tim Brashear

One of Cheba Hut’s newest franchise partners is University of Florida alum Tim Brashear. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Brashear has lived in Orlando since 2001 after graduating from Florida State with a bachelor’s of science in communications and earning an MBA in financial management services from Florida Metropolitan University.

Now, Brashear has plans to bring Cheba Hut to another Florida campus—the University of Central Florida, which happens to be the largest public university in the U.S. Cheba Hut, with its variety of delicious toasted sandwiches, salads, appetizers, desserts and local beer and spirits, is prepared to feed a whole lot of hungry students.

With an undergraduate enrollment population of over 69,000, UCF's main campus is an ideal spot for the marijuana-themed sandwich shop. Who wouldn’t want a new hangout destination for students looking to unwind, take a study break at a bar stocked with local craft beer or satisfy those late-night munchies?

While Brashear has had a long career working in sales and finance in the mobile technology industry, franchising appealed to him as a way to jumpstart his retirement plan. “I was looking for something I could do when I retire to keep me going long term,” said Brashear.

It’s not unusual for Cheba Hut franchise partners to fall in love with the brand while traveling up north to Colorado. It’s how Fort Worth, Texas franchise owner Chance Steed also discovered the brand, which appeals to both outdoor adventurers and hungry college kids. As Brashear said of his first taste of Cheba Hut, “I loved the concept and the food, but franchising a location wasn’t on my mind just yet. When I took a second trip, I realized it would be an awesome fit for the University of Central Florida.”

You could say that round two at Cheba Hut kindled Brashear’s interest in entrepreneurship, and he quickly signed a three-unit deal for the Orlando market. Brashear plans to open two locations near UCF with a third in bustling downtown Orlando.

As a huge destination for tourists, Orlando and Central Florida are ripe for expansion for the laid-back, fun-loving sandwich shop. Much like recent signings in San Antonio, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois, Orlando represents another rapidly-growing urban market that is well-suited for the unique, affordable and lively concept. Fellow tourist town Las Vegas, Nevada also recently welcomed Cheba Hut and provided a welcome option for local entrepreneurs in a market that is largely influenced by big-name brands.

“The University of Central Florida is an ideal location for Cheba Hut, and we can’t wait to introduce more Floridians to the best toasted sub concept there is,” said Seth Larsen, Chief Relationship Officer of Cheba Hut. “Expanding throughout the Sunshine State has been a huge goal for us, and Tim is just the franchise owner to do it.”

As a Cheba Hut franchise owner, it’s safe to say that Brashear will be chilling well into retirement under the warm Florida sun.