2019
4
$200,000
$40,000
$700,000
No
Crab Fever is a vibrant, fast-casual seafood restaurant that brings the bold flavors of Louisiana-style seafood boils to the heart of America. With a commitment to fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, Crab Fever has become a beloved destination for seafood enthusiasts across the United States. Whether it's the signature crab boils, spicy shrimp, or hearty gumbo, each dish is crafted to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.
Investing in a Crab Fever franchise offers a unique opportunity to be part of a growing brand in the lucrative seafood restaurant industry. The franchise model is designed for scalability, with a focus on operational efficiency, strong brand identity, and a proven menu that resonates with a wide customer base. With ongoing support and training, franchisees are equipped to succeed in a competitive market.
Founded Year & Founders:
Crab Fever was founded in 2019 in San Diego, California, by a passionate team of entrepreneurs dedicated to bringing authentic Louisiana-style seafood boils to the American market. The founders envisioned a vibrant, casual dining experience where customers could enjoy high-quality seafood in a fun, engaging atmosphere.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
As of October 2025, Crab Fever operates four locations across the United States:
National City, California (San Diego area)
Escondido, California (Crab Fever Express)
Murfreesboro, Tennessee (Stones River Town Centre)
Nashville, Tennessee (Midtown area)
This expansion reflects a strategic approach to entering key U.S. markets with high traffic and strong demand for seafood dining. The brand continues to explore new franchise opportunities across major metropolitan areas in the country.
Company History & Brand Journey:
Starting as a single location in San Diego, Crab Fever quickly gained a loyal following due to its flavorful menu, quality ingredients, and unique dining experience. The brand’s signature seafood boils, spicy shrimp, and robust gumbo recipes have positioned it as a standout in the casual dining seafood segment. Over the years, the brand has built a reputation for consistent quality, friendly service, and community engagement.
Ownership:
Crab Fever is privately owned, with each franchise unit locally managed to maintain personalized customer experiences while adhering to the brand’s operational standards and culinary excellence.
Industry Category:
Crab Fever operates in the Casual Dining / Seafood Restaurant category, catering to families, young professionals, and seafood enthusiasts seeking flavorful, Louisiana-inspired cuisine in a lively environment.
Mission & Vision:
The brand’s mission is to deliver exceptional seafood dining experiences while fostering a sense of community at each location. Its vision is to become a leading seafood franchise in the U.S., known for both taste and quality service.
Notable Achievements:
Rapid expansion to multiple states within six years of operation.
Recognition for authentic Louisiana-style seafood offerings.
Growing presence in key U.S. cities with high potential for franchising.
Crab Fever offers comprehensive, structured support to ensure franchisees are fully equipped to run a successful restaurant. This support covers every stage of the franchise journey, from pre-launch to ongoing operations:
1. Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Assistance in identifying high-traffic, profitable locations and negotiating lease terms.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Guidance on restaurant layout, interior design, and compliance with brand standards to ensure a consistent customer experience.
Permits & Licensing: Help with local health permits, food handling licenses, and business registrations.
2. Training Programs:
Operational Training: Hands-on training covering daily operations, kitchen procedures, menu preparation, and inventory management.
Customer Service Training: Instruction on delivering exceptional customer experiences, staff management, and maintaining brand standards.
Leadership & Management Training: Support for franchise owners and managers on team leadership, hiring, and staff scheduling.
3. Marketing & Promotional Support:
Launch Marketing Campaigns: Assistance with grand opening campaigns, social media promotion, and local advertising strategies to attract initial traffic.
Ongoing Marketing: Guidance on seasonal promotions, community events, digital marketing, and loyalty programs to maintain customer engagement.
Branding & Digital Tools: Access to professionally designed templates for advertising, social media content, and email campaigns.
4. Operational Support:
Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Access to approved suppliers and advice on efficient inventory tracking to minimize waste.
Technology Integration: Support for POS systems, online ordering platforms, and delivery integrations.
Quality Assurance: Periodic audits and consultations to ensure consistency in food quality, hygiene, and service standards.
5. Ongoing Franchisee Support:
Field Visits & Coaching: Regular visits from the corporate team to provide operational guidance and share best practices.
Continuous Education: Opportunities for attending workshops, webinars, and seminars to stay updated on industry trends and menu innovations.
Franchisee Network: Access to a community of franchise owners to share experiences, ideas, and strategies for success.
6. Menu & Product Development Support:
Assistance with seasonal menu updates, new product launches, and adapting offerings to local tastes while maintaining brand consistency.
Summary:
Crab Fever ensures that franchisees are never left to navigate the challenges of restaurant ownership alone. With structured training, operational guidance, and ongoing support, franchise owners are well-prepared to deliver a high-quality dining experience while maximizing profitability.
Crab Fever is seeking motivated, business-minded individuals to join its growing franchise network. The ideal franchisee possesses a blend of operational skills, passion for hospitality, and financial readiness. Below is a detailed profile:
1. Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Driven to operate a successful business and willing to invest the time and effort required for growth.
Motivated by customer satisfaction and committed to upholding Crab Fever’s brand standards.
2. Business & Management Skills:
Background in restaurant management, hospitality, or retail operations is preferred but not mandatory.
Ability to manage day-to-day operations, staff performance, and customer experience efficiently.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
3. Passion for Food & Hospitality:
Genuine interest in the seafood and casual dining industry.
Enthusiasm for providing a memorable dining experience to customers.
Willingness to engage in menu training and stay involved in operational excellence.
4. Financial Capability:
Access to sufficient capital for the initial franchise investment and working capital needs.
Ability to sustain operations until the business reaches break-even and profitability.
Comfortable with ongoing royalty and marketing fee commitments.
5. Community-Focused & Customer-Oriented:
Desire to build strong relationships within the local community.
Commitment to creating a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere for diners.
Active participation in local marketing and community engagement initiatives.
6. Location Preference & Commitment:
Interested in operating in high-traffic areas with strong market potential.
Willingness to follow the brand’s operational guidelines, standards, and best practices.
Long-term commitment to growing the franchise and maintaining quality and reputation.
Summary:
The ideal Crab Fever franchisee is a proactive, financially capable individual with a passion for seafood and hospitality, excellent management skills, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience. Crab Fever provides the support and resources necessary to help franchisees achieve their business goals and thrive in a competitive market.
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $500,000 – $700,000 (depends on location, size, and build-out) |
| Minimum Investment Required | $200,000 in liquid capital |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Franchise Units | 4 current locations (as of 2025) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $300,000 – $400,000 (kitchen equipment, furniture, interior design) |
| Marketing Budget | $30,000 – $50,000 (launch and ongoing marketing campaigns) |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 (initial operational expenses) |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | 2 – 3 years (depending on market conditions and operational efficiency) |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 36 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering, delivery, online ordering platforms |
| Ongoing Support | Operational guidance, marketing support, training updates, menu innovation |
| Profitability Potential | High, due to strong brand recognition, popular menu, and multiple revenue streams |
