2019
85
$400,000
$30,000
$800,000
No
Crab Du Jour is a dynamic and rapidly expanding Cajun seafood restaurant chain that brings the authentic taste of New Orleans-style seafood boils to communities across the United States. With its signature "Boil-in-a-Bag" concept, Crab Du Jour offers a unique dining experience where patrons can enjoy freshly prepared seafood, seasoned to perfection, and served tableside in a bag—creating an interactive and memorable meal.
Since its inception in 2019, Crab Du Jour has grown to over 85 locations nationwide, including both dine-in and express formats. The brand's commitment to quality, flavor, and customer satisfaction has positioned it as a leader in the casual dining segment, particularly within the seafood niche.
Proven Business Model: Crab Du Jour's unique concept and operational efficiency have led to rapid expansion and strong brand recognition.
High-Quality Offerings: The menu features a variety of fresh seafood options, including crab, shrimp, lobster, and crawfish, paired with house-made sauces and sides.
Strong Brand Identity: The "Boil-in-a-Bag" presentation and Cajun-inspired flavors differentiate Crab Du Jour from other seafood restaurants, attracting a loyal customer base.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support in areas such as operations, marketing, and supply chain management.
Scalable Growth Potential: With a growing number of locations and a scalable business model, franchisees have the opportunity to expand within their territories.
Founded: 2019
Founders: A group of passionate entrepreneurs with a vision to bring authentic Cajun seafood boils to mainstream American dining. They combined culinary expertise with business acumen to create a unique, customer-friendly dining experience.
Ownership: Privately owned under the Crab Du Jour Restaurant Group. The founders continue to oversee brand strategy, operational guidance, and franchise expansion.
Brand Journey:
2019: First Crab Du Jour location opened, introducing the “Boil-in-a-Bag” concept that allows diners to enjoy freshly boiled seafood served in a bag with signature seasonings.
2020–2021: Despite pandemic challenges, the brand expanded into additional Florida markets, demonstrating operational resilience and scalability.
2022–2023: Crab Du Jour achieved over 85 locations nationwide, including both dine-in and express formats, marking rapid growth and increasing brand recognition.
Franchise Units: Over 85 units currently in operation, with a mix of full-service restaurants and Crab Du Jour Xpress formats designed for faster, casual dining experiences.
Market Presence: Strong presence in key states such as Florida, New Jersey, and Delaware, with plans for continued expansion across the U.S. The brand targets urban and suburban areas with high foot traffic, catering to seafood lovers seeking quality and convenience.
Industry Category: Casual dining, Cajun-style seafood, fast-casual dining, and experiential dining. Crab Du Jour sits in the growing niche of interactive seafood dining experiences in the USA.
Other Information:
Known for its “Boil-in-a-Bag” signature meals and vibrant, family-friendly restaurant ambiance.
Recognized for high-quality fresh seafood, customer satisfaction, and consistency across franchise units.
Continues to innovate with menu expansions, marketing campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.
Crab Du Jour offers a full spectrum of support and training to ensure each franchisee achieves success. From pre-launch planning to ongoing operations, the franchise provides structured guidance every step of the way.
Before opening a franchise, Crab Du Jour provides:
Site Selection Assistance: Experts help identify high-traffic, profitable locations based on demographics, visibility, and competition.
Lease Negotiation Guidance: Franchise team assists with lease terms, rental agreements, and local regulations.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out Support: Detailed guidance on store layout, equipment setup, and branding to meet Crab Du Jour’s standardized look and feel.
Initial Marketing Launch: Planning of grand opening campaigns, community outreach, and promotional events to drive immediate customer traffic.
Crab Du Jour provides a structured training curriculum for franchisees and key staff:
Operational Training: Hands-on training in food preparation, kitchen workflow, food safety, inventory management, and portion control.
Customer Service Training: Emphasis on creating an engaging dining experience, handling customer inquiries, and maintaining high satisfaction standards.
Management & Staff Training: Training on scheduling, employee management, payroll, and team leadership to ensure smooth operations.
Point-of-Sale (POS) & Technology Systems: Guidance on using the POS system, online ordering platforms, and reporting tools.
Crab Du Jour continues to assist franchisees after opening:
Regular Visits & Operational Audits: Franchise support team visits locations to ensure quality, efficiency, and adherence to brand standards.
Performance Tracking & Business Consulting: Analysis of sales data, revenue streams, and customer feedback with actionable recommendations for growth.
Supply Chain Support: Assistance with sourcing seafood, sauces, and other ingredients through vetted suppliers, ensuring consistency and quality.
Crab Du Jour helps franchisees build and maintain brand presence:
National & Regional Marketing: Campaigns run across digital platforms, local media, and social channels.
Local Marketing Assistance: Guidance on events, promotions, loyalty programs, and partnerships to attract the local community.
Digital & Social Media Support: Tools, templates, and training to manage online presence and customer engagement effectively.
Webinars & Workshops: Ongoing learning sessions covering industry trends, menu innovations, and operational best practices.
Franchisee Network Access: Opportunity to collaborate and share strategies with other franchisees across the country.
Crab Du Jour seeks franchisees who are motivated, business-savvy, and passionate about hospitality. The ideal candidate combines financial capability with operational focus and a commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience.
Business Experience: Preferably has prior experience in restaurant management, food service, or retail operations. Experience in managing staff, budgeting, and daily business operations is highly valued.
Leadership Skills: Ability to lead a team effectively, inspire employees, and maintain high standards of service and operations.
Operational Focus: Detail-oriented and organized to ensure smooth functioning of kitchen, front-of-house, and back-office operations.
Service-Oriented Mindset: Strong interest in delivering exceptional customer experiences, fostering repeat business, and building brand loyalty.
Community Engagement: Willingness to actively participate in local events, promotions, and outreach programs to enhance brand visibility.
Food Enthusiasm: Genuine interest in Cajun cuisine and seafood, helping create an authentic and enjoyable dining atmosphere.
Capital Requirements: Sufficient personal or business capital to cover initial franchise fees, restaurant build-out, equipment, and working capital.
Long-Term Commitment: Prepared to invest time, effort, and resources to grow the business successfully.
Risk Management: Ability to manage financial planning, cash flow, and operational risks effectively.
Dedication to Standards: Committed to following Crab Du Jour’s operational procedures, food quality, and service guidelines.
Integrity & Professionalism: Maintains ethical business practices, ensuring customer trust and brand reputation.
Growth-Oriented: Interested in scaling the business, potentially opening multiple units, and contributing to the brand’s national expansion.
Target Market: Prefers urban and suburban locations with strong foot traffic, high visibility, and a local customer base interested in seafood dining.
Market Awareness: Understanding of local competition, demographics, and trends to effectively market and operate the restaurant.
| Category | Estimated Range / Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $400,000 – $800,000 | Includes build-out, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital. Varies by location size and lease costs. |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $50,000 | One-time fee for franchise rights and initial training. |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales | Paid monthly; covers ongoing brand support and operational guidance. |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | ~2% of Gross Sales | Contributes to national and regional marketing campaigns. |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $250,000 – $500,000 | Covers interior design, kitchen equipment, signage, plumbing, electrical, and furniture. |
| Initial Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 | Recommended to cover initial months of operations, salaries, and inventory. |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 30% annually | Based on operational efficiency, location, and market demand. |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months | Depends on location performance, marketing success, and management efficiency. |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering | Crab Du Jour Xpress may focus more on fast-casual and delivery options. |
| Franchise Units Nationwide | 85+ | Includes both full-service Crab Du Jour and express formats. |
