Established
1992
Franchise Units
5
Minimum Investment
$284,800
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$480,400
Home Based
No
Description
Chef Creole Seasoned Kitchen is a vibrant and culturally rich restaurant brand that brings the bold flavors of Caribbean cuisine to the United States. Founded in 1992 by Wilkinson “Ken” Sejour and his late brother, Jude Pierre, Chef Creole has become a beloved institution in South Florida, offering a menu inspired by Haitian and Bahamian culinary traditions. With a commitment to quality, authenticity, and community engagement, Chef Creole is now expanding its reach through franchising, inviting entrepreneurs to join in sharing the taste of the Caribbean with a wider audience.
Background
Seafood is considered one of life’s great indulgences, and Chef Creole is a restaurant concept worth exploring for investment. The Creole franchise was established in 1992 by Ken Pierre and his late brother, Jude Pierre. Both founders were born in the Bahamas to Haitian parents, bringing authentic heritage and culinary influence to the brand.
Chef Creole is known for serving traditional Creole favorites, including griot and stewed oxtail. Customers appreciate that meals are seasoned and freshly prepared at the time of order, helping deliver authentic flavor and quality.
For franchisees seeking additional revenue opportunities, the business model also allows catering services so guests can enjoy Chef Creole’s signature Creole cuisine at parties, events, and special gatherings. Merchandise sales opportunities are also available to further enhance profitability.
Since launching, Chef Creole has opened several successful locations across the country and continues to pursue growth through new franchise partnerships. Franchise owners receive a storefront location designed to operate in a high-traffic area for maximum exposure and customer attention.
Each franchisee is also granted an exclusive territory equal to the lesser of a 3-mile radius surrounding the restaurant. This territorial protection helps reduce direct competition by ensuring the franchisee remains the only Chef Creole representative within that designated area.
Franchisees also benefit from strong support and training systems. Chef Creole provides a comprehensive training program focused on proven industry best practices. Training includes a 16-hour classroom portion along with 120 hours of hands-on, on-the-job instruction. During this process, franchisees learn about hiring, company culture, food preparation, marketing, advertising, and other essential operating areas.
Established: 1992
Franchising Began: 2022
Franchise active Units: 5
Absentee Ownership: No
Mobile Business Model: No
Protected Territory: Yes
B2B Opportunity: No
Corporate Office: Miami, FL
International Expansion: No
Available in Canada: No
Support Training
Initial Training: A rigorous program including classroom instruction and extensive on-the-job training. You will learn everything from secret spice blends to staff management and hospitality standards.
Site Selection & Build-Out: We assist in identifying high-traffic storefronts and provide guidance on the iconic island-themed interior design to ensure brand consistency.
Marketing & Branding: Franchisees benefit from our established social media presence and national reputation. We provide localized marketing assets and strategies to drive foot traffic from day one.
Operational Support: Ongoing access to our proprietary "business blueprint," including inventory management, pricing guidelines, and administrative procedures.
Research & Development: Benefit from continuous culinary innovation as we add new seasonal items and retail products to the roster to keep customers coming back.
Ideal Candidate
- Business Savvy: Previous experience in the restaurant industry or general business management is highly preferred, though we value strong leadership skills above all.
Passion for Culture: You should have a genuine appreciation for Caribbean culture and the "friendly service" hospitality that defines our brand.
Community Minded: Like Chef Ken, our most successful owners are those who want to be a pillar in their local neighborhood and engage with their customers.
Financial Capability: Applicants should meet the minimum liquid capital and net worth requirements to ensure a smooth launch and sustainable long-term growth.
Location Preference: We look for franchisees targeting urban centers, high-traffic shopping districts, and areas with a diverse, food-loving demographic.
Financial Detail
- Estimated Initial Investment: $284,800 to $480,400
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Required Net Worth: $35,000
- Minimum Cash Requirement: $35,000
- Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000