Established
2013
Franchise Units
30
Minimum Investment
$400,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
Founded on the belief that great seafood should be accessible, flavorful, and affordable, the Skrimp Shack franchise has carved out a strong position in the fast-casual seafood segment across the United States. Known for its bold Cajun-inspired flavors, generous portions, and crave-worthy fried and grilled seafood, Skrimp Shack delivers a Southern seafood experience that resonates with modern American diners.
Unlike traditional seafood restaurants that require large dining rooms, high labor costs, and complex menus, Skrimp Shack operates on a streamlined fast-casual model. The brand focuses on shrimp, fish, wings, and signature sauces—allowing franchisees to maintain consistency, control food costs, and scale efficiently. This simplicity, paired with strong branding and repeat customer demand, makes Skrimp Shack a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking entry into the booming quick-service seafood market.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in the Skrimp Shack franchise offers a rare combination of menu focus, operational efficiency, and strong brand appeal. Key reasons investors are drawn to this concept include:
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Fast-casual seafood is one of the least saturated segments in the U.S. QSR industry
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Strong consumer demand for shrimp and seafood across demographics
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Simple kitchen operations with limited SKUs and efficient prep
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Lower labor complexity compared to full-service seafood restaurants
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Flexible footprint suitable for inline, end-cap, or standalone locations
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Strong potential for repeat business driven by flavor-forward menu items
Background
Skrimp Shack was established in 2013 in Norfolk, Virginia, with a clear and focused mission: to bring authentic Southern-style seafood to local communities in a fast, affordable, and approachable format. The brand was founded by Tony White, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep roots in the foodservice industry and a passion for bold flavors and operational simplicity.
What began as a single neighborhood seafood restaurant quickly gained traction for its crispy fried shrimp, fish baskets, wings, and signature Cajun-inspired seasonings. Customers were drawn to the generous portions, consistent quality, and value-driven pricing—elements that remain central to the brand today.
As demand grew, Skrimp Shack refined its menu and operating model to support scalability. The concept was intentionally designed to avoid the complexity of traditional full-service seafood restaurants, focusing instead on a fast-casual, high-efficiency format that could be replicated across markets. This evolution laid the foundation for franchising and positioned Skrimp Shack as a strong contender in the underpenetrated fast-casual seafood segment.
Today, Skrimp Shack operates 30+ active units across multiple U.S. states, with a strong presence in the Southeast and continued expansion into new territories. The brand attracts both first-time franchise owners and experienced multi-unit operators seeking a differentiated food concept with proven consumer appeal.
Skrimp Shack operates within the Quick Service / Fast-Casual Seafood Restaurant industry, a category benefiting from growing consumer interest in seafood as a flavorful alternative to burgers and chicken. Brand ownership remains focused on disciplined, sustainable growth, prioritizing franchisee success, unit-level economics, and long-term brand equity over rapid, uncontrolled expansion.
Support Training
Skrimp Shack offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to guide owners from site selection through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and market evaluation
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Store layout guidance and equipment specifications
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain integration
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Pre-opening marketing strategy and launch planning
Training Programs
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In-depth initial training covering operations, food prep, safety, and brand standards
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Hands-on kitchen and front-of-house training
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POS system training and inventory controls
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Manager and team leadership development
Operational & Ongoing Support
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Ongoing field support and operational coaching
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Standard operating procedures and quality audits
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Menu updates and product innovation
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Access to proven systems refined across multiple markets
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing guidance
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Digital marketing and local store promotion strategies
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Social media and promotional campaign support
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Brand-level creative assets and advertising materials
This structured support framework allows franchisees to focus on execution while leveraging the franchisor’s experience.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Skrimp Shack franchisee is someone who values systems, consistency, and customer experience. Prior restaurant experience is helpful but not mandatory.
Best-Fit Franchisee Traits
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Strong leadership and people-management skills
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Passion for food, hospitality, and customer service
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Ability to follow proven systems and brand standards
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Hands-on owner-operator or semi-absentee investor
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Financial readiness to invest and sustain early operations
Investment & Location Preferences
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Interest in high-traffic urban, suburban, or mixed-use areas
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Willingness to develop single or multiple locations over time
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Commitment to local marketing and community engagement
This franchise is particularly well suited for entrepreneurs seeking scalable growth with a recognizable food concept.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $400,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Build-Out & Equipment | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | ~2% of gross sales |
