Established
2012
Franchise Units
6
Minimum Investment
$450,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$900,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Slapfish franchise represents a modern evolution of seafood dining—fast-casual, chef-driven, and built for today’s quality-conscious consumer. Best known for its crave-worthy lobster rolls, sustainably sourced seafood, and California-born coastal vibe, Slapfish has carved out a powerful niche in the competitive U.S. restaurant landscape.
Unlike traditional seafood restaurants that rely on full-service formats and heavy overhead, Slapfish delivers premium seafood in a streamlined, fast-casual model that appeals to millennials, families, and urban professionals alike. The brand blends gourmet execution with approachable pricing, creating strong repeat traffic and broad market appeal. With seafood consumption on the rise and consumers demanding transparency, freshness, and bold flavors, Slapfish is positioned as a category leader rather than just another restaurant concept.
For franchise investors seeking a differentiated food brand with strong branding, operational efficiency, and nationwide expansion potential, Slapfish offers a compelling, scalable opportunity in one of the fastest-growing restaurant segments in the U.S.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Slapfish stands out in the franchise marketplace for several strategic reasons:
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Proven Fast-Casual Model: A simplified service style keeps labor and operational costs in check while maintaining premium food quality.
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High-Demand Category: Seafood is increasingly viewed as a healthier protein option, driving consistent consumer demand.
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Iconic Signature Items: Lobster rolls, fish tacos, and creative seafood bowls anchor the menu and fuel brand recognition.
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Strong Brand Identity: Coastal-inspired design, bold flavors, and chef-led credibility differentiate Slapfish from generic chains.
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Scalable Footprint: Flexible store formats allow entry into urban cores, lifestyle centers, and high-traffic suburban locations.
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Growing National Presence: The brand continues to expand across key U.S. markets, building momentum and visibility.
Background
Established Year: 2012
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Founders: Chef Andrew Gruel
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Seafood Restaurant
Slapfish was founded in Southern California by renowned chef Andrew Gruel, who envisioned a seafood concept that was fresh, sustainable, and accessible—without sacrificing flavor or creativity. Starting as a small chef-driven venture, the brand quickly gained national attention for redefining how seafood could be served in a fast-casual format.
The company expanded through franchising to meet growing demand and now operates approximately 6+ active franchise units across the United States, with continued development in major metropolitan and coastal markets. Slapfish has earned a reputation for innovation, quality sourcing, and strong unit-level performance, making it a recognized name within the fast-casual seafood segment.
Support Training
Slapfish offers comprehensive end-to-end franchise support designed to help operators launch confidently and scale effectively:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market analysis
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Restaurant design standards and layout planning
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain onboarding
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Construction and build-out coordination
Training & Operations
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Extensive initial training covering food prep, kitchen systems, and daily operations
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Management and staff training programs
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Standardized operating procedures and quality controls
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POS system setup and reporting tools
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategies
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National and regional brand campaigns
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Digital marketing guidance, social media assets, and promotional calendars
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Ongoing menu innovation and limited-time offers
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Performance benchmarking and operational reviews
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Continuous education, new product rollouts, and system upgrades
Ideal Candidate
Slapfish is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors who value brand standards, operational discipline, and food quality.
Ideal candidates include:
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Multi-unit or single-unit restaurant operators
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Business owners with strong people-management skills
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Investors seeking a semi-absentee or owner-operator model
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Passion for hospitality, food service, and customer experience
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Financial capacity to support initial investment and early operating capital
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Preference for high-traffic urban, suburban, or coastal trade areas
Prior restaurant experience is beneficial but not mandatory—the franchise system is designed to support both seasoned operators and first-time franchise owners with the right mindset.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $450,000 – $900,000 |
| Minimum Investment | ~$450,000 |
| Franchise Fee | ~$40,000 |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $100,000 – $175,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fees | ~6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | ~2% of gross sales |
