Established
1969
Franchise Units
600
Minimum Investment
$1,000,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$1,800,000
Home Based
No
Description
Long John Silver’s is one of America’s most recognizable quick-service seafood brands—an iconic name that has shaped the country’s love for affordable, coastal-inspired meals for more than 50 years. With its signature batter-dipped fish, hushpuppies, and classic family-friendly menu, the brand occupies a distinct position in the QSR landscape: accessible seafood served through a fast, efficient, high-volume system designed for strong margins and repeat traffic. For investors searching for a franchise concept with national recognition and proven operational systems, Long John Silver’s represents a rare opportunity—an established brand with decades of consumer trust and a scalable model that continues to adapt to modern dining preferences, digital ordering trends, and local market demand.
What sets Long John Silver’s apart is its ability to deliver a category few QSR brands truly master: seafood that is reliable, flavorful, and consistently in demand. The brand caters to families, value-driven diners, and communities that are underserved by seafood restaurants in the fast-casual and quick-service space. Its franchise program is built around this market advantage, offering entrepreneurs a recognizable banner supported by deep operational expertise, strong supply chain partnerships, and a menu that balances tradition with innovation. For franchisees, it’s an entry point into a stable, recession-resistant segment with exceptional brand equity.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Long John Silver’s means joining a heritage brand with built-in consumer appeal and decades of performance across diverse markets. Unlike generic QSR concepts, seafood remains a high-interest category with limited national competitors, allowing franchisees to stand out immediately in their territory. The concept functions well in suburban, highway, and high-traffic commercial locations, with strong drive-thru performance and reliable dine-in and take-out demand.
The franchise offers multiple revenue channels, including dine-in service, drive-thru sales, third-party delivery, catering opportunities, and value-driven promotions that attract families and loyal customers year-round. Operational systems are streamlined to support high-volume output while maintaining food quality and consistency. Franchisees benefit from a national marketing presence, competitive product innovation, and a leadership team committed to ongoing brand modernization.
Background
Long John Silver’s was founded in 1969 in Lexington, Kentucky, created as an innovative quick-service concept aimed at bringing coastal-style seafood to mainstream America. Inspired by nautical themes and built around a menu of batter-dipped fish, chicken, shrimp, and family-friendly sides, the brand quickly carved out a unique category in the fast-food industry. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Long John Silver’s expanded aggressively across the country, introducing millions of Americans to an affordable, flavorful seafood experience rarely found in the QSR landscape.
By the early 2000s, the brand had transitioned through several ownership structures. Today, Long John Silver’s operates independently as Long John Silver’s LLC, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and led by a seasoned executive team focused on modernization, operational excellence, and scalable growth. The brand remains highly recognized across the United States, maintaining a powerful legacy built on consistency, value, and nostalgia.
Long John Silver’s currently operates 600+ active restaurants in the USA, a mix of company-owned and franchise-owned locations. Its footprint spans suburban communities, travel corridors, small towns, and major metropolitan markets, making it one of America’s most widely distributed quick-service seafood chains.
The brand continues to evolve with updated store designs, digital ordering platforms, modern drive-thru systems, and menu innovation that reflects today’s consumer preferences. Positioned within the quick-service seafood restaurant category, Long John Silver’s occupies a strategic niche with limited direct national competitors, strong brand loyalty, and a well-established operational model that has stood the test of time.
Support Training
Long John Silver’s franchise system is designed to help new operators succeed from day one. Its support program includes:
Pre-Launch & Onboarding Support
• Market and territory planning assistance
• Site selection guidance backed by demographic research
• Lease negotiation support
• Architectural plans, construction guidance, equipment packages, and layout optimization
• Vendor onboarding and supply chain setup
Operational Training
• Comprehensive in-store training for owners, managers, and team members
• Instruction on kitchen operations, food preparation standards, safety protocols, and quality control
• Drive-thru management, speed-of-service optimization, and staff scheduling
Marketing & Brand Support
• Access to national and regional advertising campaigns
• Digital marketing toolkits, menu photography, limited-time offer rollouts
• Social media resources to support local store promotions
• Strategies for delivery integration and online ordering platforms
Ongoing Support
• Field consultants for regular performance reviews
• Operational audits and continuous training refreshers
• Menu innovation, seasonal promotions, and product development
• Business analytics, reporting tools, and profitability coaching
Ideal Candidate
Long John Silver’s is well-suited for investors who appreciate structured operational systems and want a recognizable brand that attracts loyal customers. The ideal candidate may include:
• Multi-unit operators in the QSR or fast-casual category seeking portfolio diversification
• First-time restaurant investors who value strong training programs and operational guidance
• Entrepreneurs with experience in hospitality, retail management, or foodservice leadership
• Investors with the ability to manage staff, drive local marketing, and oversee store-level operations
• Candidates with the financial strength to support initial build-out, working capital, and future expansion
• Those who prefer operating in suburban, highway, high-traffic retail corridors, or near residential communities
A passion for hospitality, a commitment to brand standards, and a focus on long-term growth make a franchisee an especially strong fit for the Long John Silver’s system.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Estimated Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,000,000 – $1,800,000+ |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $700,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Active Franchise Units (USA) | 600+ Locations |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure Costs | $650,000 – $1,300,000+ (construction, equipment, signage, drive-thru, POS) |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | 2% – 4% of gross sales |
| Local Store Marketing Budget | Recommended $2,000 – $5,000 monthly (market dependent) |
| Royalty Fees | 4% – 6% of gross sales |
| Working Capital Needed | $50,000 – $150,000+ (for first 3–6 months) |
| Expected ROI Timeline | Typically 3 – 5 years |
| Projected Break-Even | Approximately 18 – 36 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Take-out, Drive-thru, Delivery, Catering, LTO promotions |