1995
20
$800,000
$40,000
$1,200,000
No
Fish City Grill is more than just a restaurant—it’s a neighborhood gathering place built on Southern hospitality and a love for fresh, flavorful seafood. Founded on the belief that great food tastes even better when shared among friends, Fish City Grill has grown from a single Texas eatery into a trusted franchise brand across the United States. Known for its warm, casual atmosphere and creative coastal menu, the brand has mastered the art of combining local charm with proven restaurant systems that drive profitability and customer loyalty.
Each Fish City Grill location reflects its community through chalkboard specials, daily market-inspired seafood, and friendly service that keeps guests coming back. With a loyal customer base, strong brand recognition, and an established franchise infrastructure, Fish City Grill is an attractive opportunity for investors seeking to bring a high-performing, community-driven seafood concept to their market.
Why Invest in the Fish City Grill Franchise?
Investing in a Fish City Grill franchise means joining a brand with deep roots, a proven business model, and a genuine culture of care. The seafood restaurant category continues to grow across the U.S., with consumers increasingly seeking fresh, made-from-scratch meals served in comfortable, family-friendly environments.
Fish City Grill has perfected this balance — blending the familiarity of a neighborhood eatery with the sophistication of a polished casual dining experience. Franchisees benefit from streamlined operations, vendor partnerships, and decades of expertise in restaurant management. With consistent same-store growth, a loyal guest following, and strong unit economics, Fish City Grill is one of the most compelling seafood franchise opportunities in the market today.
Fish City Grill was founded in 1995 in Dallas, Texas by Bill Bayne and Lovett Bayne, two passionate restaurateurs who envisioned a casual seafood restaurant where guests could feel like part of the family. What began as a single neighborhood spot quickly gained popularity for its chalkboard specials, fresh catches, and authentic hospitality.
Over the years, Fish City Grill has expanded steadily, maintaining its focus on quality and community. As of 2025, the brand operates 20+ locations across the United States, primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Florida, with new franchise territories available nationwide.
Fish City Grill falls under the casual dining restaurant category, specializing in seafood and Southern-inspired dishes. The franchise is privately owned and operated, with a strong corporate leadership team committed to sustainable sourcing, menu innovation, and franchise success.
Fish City Grill’s franchise system is built around a hands-on, people-first approach to training and support. Franchisees receive comprehensive assistance before, during, and after opening their restaurant:
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection assistance and demographic analysis
Restaurant design and layout guidance
Help with permitting, construction, and vendor coordination
Pre-opening marketing campaigns and launch event planning
Operational Training:
4–6 weeks of intensive classroom and on-site training covering kitchen operations, customer service, staffing, and brand standards
Detailed operating manuals, recipe guides, and POS system training
Marketing Support:
National and regional marketing strategies tailored for each location
Social media templates, local PR guidance, and seasonal promotions
Access to brand-approved digital assets and loyalty programs
Ongoing Support:
Dedicated franchise business consultant for performance monitoring
Continued training on menu innovations and operational best practices
Peer-to-peer franchise network for knowledge sharing and support
Fish City Grill’s support system ensures that every new franchisee can deliver the same guest experience and profitability that defines the brand.
The ideal Fish City Grill franchisee is someone who shares the brand’s deep appreciation for hospitality, community connection, and culinary excellence. This opportunity is perfect for individuals who want to own a restaurant that feels like “home” to their guests — a place where great food and meaningful connections thrive.
Fish City Grill franchise owners aren’t just investors; they are local ambassadors who understand that success in the restaurant business is built on relationships, consistency, and care.
Here’s a detailed look at the kind of franchise partner Fish City Grill seeks:
1. Passionate About Hospitality & Community
Franchisees should have a genuine love for people and a strong desire to build community through food and service. Fish City Grill thrives on being the neighborhood seafood spot where everyone feels welcome — franchisees must be comfortable being the “face” of their restaurant and actively engaging with guests.
Running a successful Fish City Grill location requires a leader who can recruit, train, and inspire a team that shares the brand’s values. Ideal candidates will have prior experience managing staff, preferably in food service, hospitality, or retail.
While Fish City Grill provides a well-structured operational system, franchisees must possess basic financial literacy and strong organizational skills to oversee performance metrics, manage costs, and maximize profitability. Multi-unit franchise owners or experienced operators are highly encouraged to apply.
Fish City Grill’s culture is built on integrity, teamwork, and a “neighbors first” mentality. Franchisees should embody these values by ensuring their restaurant maintains the same warmth, quality, and consistency that define the brand’s reputation.
Potential franchisees should have:
Minimum Liquid Capital: $250,000
Net Worth: $750,000+
Total Investment Capacity: $800,000 – $1,200,000
This ensures financial stability during the initial setup, operational phase, and growth period of the business.
Fish City Grill performs best in suburban and mid-urban areas with high visibility, easy accessibility, and strong dining demand. Preferred locations include vibrant retail plazas, lifestyle centers, and mixed-use developments where family dining and casual get-togethers are common.
Fish City Grill isn’t just a short-term investment — it’s a long-term partnership. Ideal franchisees are those committed to growing with the brand, engaging in continuous training, and potentially expanding into multi-unit ownership as the concept grows nationwide.
In summary, the perfect Fish City Grill franchisee is a people-first entrepreneur with a passion for hospitality, strong operational discipline, and the drive to build a thriving community landmark. This opportunity is ideal for anyone who wants to combine business ownership with meaningful local impact — all backed by one of the most trusted names in the seafood dining industry.
Below is a detailed financial breakdown to help potential franchisees understand the investment structure, fees, and revenue potential when opening a Fish City Grill location in the United States.
| Category | Low Estimate (USD) | High Estimate (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $40,000 | One-time fee granting rights to use the Fish City Grill brand, trademarks, and operating system. |
| Initial Investment (Total) | $800,000 | $1,200,000 | Includes all major startup costs such as build-out, equipment, training, and working capital. |
| Restaurant Build-Out & Equipment | $400,000 | $700,000 | Covers kitchen setup, interior design, seating, fixtures, and POS systems. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 | $300,000 | For location renovation and customization to meet Fish City Grill design standards. |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $40,000 | $80,000 | Includes branded signage, decor, and furniture. |
| Initial Inventory | $20,000 | $35,000 | First order of seafood, ingredients, beverages, uniforms, and packaging materials. |
| Technology & POS Systems | $10,000 | $20,000 | Software setup, POS systems, and security systems. |
| Pre-Opening Marketing & Launch Campaign | $20,000 | $40,000 | Local advertising, grand opening promotions, social media, and PR launch support. |
| Training & Travel Expenses | $5,000 | $10,000 | Training program costs for franchisee and management team at a certified location. |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 Months) | $100,000 | $150,000 | Covers payroll, rent, utilities, and other operational expenses until breakeven. |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 5% | Ongoing fee on gross sales for continued brand support, training, and system access. |
| Marketing & Advertising Fee | 2% | 2% | Contributed to regional and national marketing programs. |
| Average Annual Sales (Per Unit) | $1.3M | $2.0M+ | Based on current franchise performance and location size. |
| Estimated ROI | 15% | 25% | Average return on investment depending on operational efficiency and market conditions. |
| Breakeven Period | 18 months | 24 months | Estimated timeframe to cover initial investment and reach operational profitability. |
| Revenue Streams | - | - | Dine-in, takeout, bar sales, catering, online ordering, and community events. |
