2019
15
$150,000
$40,000
$400,000
No
BK Lobster is one of America’s fastest-growing fast-casual seafood restaurant franchises, specializing in gourmet lobster rolls and modern seafood cuisine. Known for redefining the lobster dining experience, BK Lobster blends New England-inspired seafood flavors with a Brooklyn urban twist, offering high-quality, affordable lobster rolls, sliders, seafood platters, and signature menu creations.
As the seafood restaurant industry continues to expand in the United States, BK Lobster has carved out a strong market presence with its innovative business model, premium menu, and proven franchise system. With a loyal customer base, strong brand recognition, and scalable operations, BK Lobster provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to own a franchise in a thriving niche within the $70+ billion U.S. seafood restaurant market.
Unique Niche: BK Lobster specializes in lobster rolls, a category with high demand but limited competition in the fast-casual dining sector.
Strong Brand Identity: A Brooklyn-inspired urban seafood concept that stands out from traditional seafood chains.
High-Profit Potential: Premium menu pricing and strong customer loyalty drive consistent revenue streams.
Flexible Footprint: Options for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering ensure multiple revenue channels.
Proven Franchise Model: Established systems, marketing strategies, and operational support for franchise owners.
Growing Industry: Seafood consumption in the U.S. is steadily increasing, providing a sustainable growth market.
Established Year: 2019
Founder: Rodney Bonds
Franchise Units: 15+ locations across the United States (and expanding rapidly).
Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining / Seafood Restaurant Franchise
Brand Journey: Founded with the goal of making lobster rolls more accessible and affordable without compromising quality, BK Lobster quickly gained popularity for its creative menu and modern, urban dining experience. The brand expanded from a single Brooklyn location into multiple U.S. states, building a reputation as a disruptor in the seafood franchise industry.
Ownership: Privately owned, expanding through franchising with strategic partners nationwide.
Market Presence: Strong presence in urban hubs and suburban markets, tapping into seafood lovers, millennials, and families alike.
BK Lobster offers comprehensive training and support to ensure franchisee success, including:
Pre-Launch Support: Guidance on site selection, lease negotiation, restaurant design, construction support, and initial inventory setup.
Operations Training: A detailed training program for owners and staff covering food preparation, customer service, safety standards, and technology systems.
Marketing Support: Local and national marketing campaigns, digital advertising, social media promotions, grand opening support, and brand strategy guidance.
Academic Training: Access to BK Lobster’s operations manuals, online learning resources, and continued professional development for franchise teams.
Ongoing Support: Regular field visits, business performance reviews, updated menu innovations, supplier relationships, and continuous brand updates.
BK Lobster is best suited for entrepreneurs who are:
Passionate about Food & Hospitality: Individuals who enjoy working in the restaurant industry and providing exceptional customer experiences.
Business-Oriented Investors: Those with prior business, restaurant, or franchise management experience are ideal, though not mandatory.
Financially Prepared: Investors with the capital to meet franchise requirements and sustain operations during the initial months.
Community-Oriented Leaders: Franchisees who want to bring a unique seafood concept to their local community and build lasting relationships with customers.
Location Preference: Ideal locations include urban centers, college towns, shopping districts, tourist destinations, and suburban communities with strong dining demand.
Total Investment Required: $150,000 – $400,000 (depending on location and store format)
Minimum Investment: Approx. $150,000
Franchise Fee: $40,000 – $50,000
Royalty Fees: 6% of gross sales
Marketing/Advertising Fees: 2–3% of gross sales
Infrastructure Cost: Includes restaurant build-out, kitchen equipment, signage, décor, and initial inventory.
Working Capital: $20,000 – $40,000 recommended for the first 3–6 months.
Franchise Units: 15+ (expanding nationwide)
Expected ROI: High-profit potential with average payback in 18–36 months (depending on location and operational efficiency).
Revenue Streams: Dine-in sales, takeout, delivery, catering services, and seasonal promotions.
