Established
2015
Franchise Units
35
Minimum Investment
$1,100,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,600,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Juicy Crab has carved out a powerful position in the fast-growing Cajun seafood boil segment, delivering bold flavors, high-energy dining, and a casual experience that keeps guests coming back. Known for its signature seasoned seafood, messy-but-fun tableside dining, and strong urban appeal, the brand blends Southern coastal flavors with a modern, social restaurant concept.
The franchise thrives on simplicity and volume. A focused menu, streamlined kitchen operations, and high average ticket sizes allow operators to drive strong unit economics while maintaining consistent food quality across locations. The Juicy Crab’s lively atmosphere, shareable platters, and social-media-friendly presentation have helped the brand build loyal followings in multiple U.S. markets.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Strong demand for Cajun and seafood boil dining across U.S. metro areas
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High average check size driven by shared platters and add-ons
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Simplified menu reduces inventory complexity and food waste
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Distinct brand identity with high repeat customer potential
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Scalable restaurant model suitable for single-unit and multi-unit growth
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Well-established operating systems designed for consistency and speed
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Social, experiential dining that performs well on digital platforms
Background
Established Year: 2015
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Founders: Founded by experienced restaurant entrepreneurs with a vision to bring authentic Cajun seafood boils to a wider U.S. audience
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Brand Journey: The concept began as a single seafood boil restaurant and rapidly gained popularity due to its bold flavors, casual vibe, and shareable dining format. Strong customer response fueled steady expansion into multiple states.
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Company History & Ownership: Privately owned and franchised, with centralized leadership overseeing brand standards, menu development, and franchise growth
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Franchise Active Units: 35+ locations across the United States
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Market Presence: Concentrated in high-density urban and suburban markets with strong dining traffic
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Industry Category: Casual Dining / Seafood Restaurant / Cajun Cuisine
The brand’s growth reflects increasing consumer interest in experiential dining and crave-worthy comfort food with a regional twist.
Support Training
The Juicy Crab franchise system is built to support both first-time restaurant owners and experienced multi-unit operators.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and lease review assistance
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Restaurant layout, kitchen design, and equipment planning
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening marketing strategy and launch planning
Training & Operations
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Comprehensive initial training program covering kitchen operations, food preparation, and quality control
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Front-of-house service training to maintain brand consistency
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Labor management, scheduling, and cost control systems
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POS training and operational reporting
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing guidance
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Digital marketing frameworks and social media best practices
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Promotional calendar and seasonal campaign support
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Grand opening marketing execution assistance
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Regular operational check-ins and performance benchmarking
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New menu rollouts and product innovation support
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Continued training resources for management and staff
Ideal Candidate
The Juicy Crab is well-suited for hands-on operators and strategic investors who understand hospitality and customer experience.
Best-Fit Franchisee Traits
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Restaurant or food-service experience preferred, but not required
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Strong people-management and leadership skills
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Passion for hospitality, food quality, and guest experience
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Financial capability to develop and sustain a full-service restaurant
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Ability to follow systems while driving local marketing execution
Investment & Location Preferences
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Ideal for urban and suburban markets with strong dining demand
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Suitable for single-unit owners and multi-unit developers
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Franchisees should be comfortable managing evening and weekend peak traffic
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $1,100,000 – $1,600,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $400,000+ |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $500,000 – $800,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Furniture | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| Signage & Branding | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Licenses, Permits & Insurance | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $75,000 – $150,000 |
