Captain D's Seafood vs R.J. Gator's Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Captain D's Seafood vs R.J. Gator's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Captain D's Seafood Franchise
R.J. Gator's Franchise
Investment $1,005,600 - $1,223,600$855,500 - $1,200,000
Franchise Fee $35,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%4%
Advertising Fee 1.1%-
Year Founded 19691986
Year Franchised 19691995
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Captain D's Seafood Franchise
R.J. Gator's Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Captain D's Seafood Franchise
    R.J. Gator's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Captain D's Seafood Franchise
    R.J. Gator's Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 219 hours Classroom Training: 21 hours Additional Training: Onsite store opening -
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform -
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app -
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Captain D's Seafood Franchise
    R.J. Gator's Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Captain D's Seafood

    The first Captain D's opened in Donelson, TN in 1969. It was then called Mr. D's. And the big idea behind it was to serve high quality, quick-service seafood. Over 30 years later this big idea, now Captain D's, has grown to almost 600 restaurants in 23 states. Our menu offers a wide variety of fried, baked and broiled fish and shrimp dishes, seafood-stuffed crab shells, chicken and a variety of side items including corn, baked potato, cole slaw, tossed salads, hushpuppies and desserts, among others. We also offer a variety of seasonal seafood favorites. For a fresh business opportunity that provides industry-leading AUV growth, look no further than Captain D's. Since opening our doors in 1969, we've never stopped innovating and it has paid off. Today, with more than 520 restaurants nationwide and internationally, we're proud to be America's favorite quick service destination for seafood. Never satisfied with success alone, our team of product innovators and culinary experts continually look for opportunities to propel our growth. Our innovations, from rolling out new restaurant designs to offering delicious fire-grilled menu items, help us stand above the rest. We've found the perfect recipe for success through our heritage, hospitality, and commitment to excellence, and we're looking for new franchise professionals to share in Captain D's growth.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Captain D’s franchise ranges from $1,005,600 to $1,223,600 for the current Captain D’s prototype restaurant. That includes an initial franchise fee that you must pay to the franchisor in the amount of $35,000. You must pay one-half of the initial franchise fee for each Captain D’s restaurant you plan to develop as a non-refundable development fee when you sign a development agreement with the franchisor. The development agreements require the development of at least one restaurant.
    Veteran Incentives    50% off first-unit franchise fee; royalty fee reduced for first year

    "Top   "Entrepreneur
    #35 in Gator's Top franchises.
    #140 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #329 in Franchise 500 for 2021.





    About R.J. Gator's

    Yelp reports R J Gators World Franchise Headquarters - CLOSED

    R.J. Gator’s is all about good times and good food in a festive family-friendly atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re embarking on an Everglades adventure. All that’s missing are the air boats and the mangroves.

    Rockin’ and Jammin’ History

    Just as its menu has evolved from wings, shellfish and sandwiches to a savory seafood grill with fresh fish, steaks and other signature items, R.J. Gator’s has also experienced significant growth.

    Locals and visitors alike are fond of the family-friendly hometown grill and bar with Florida flair. Because of its unique menu and exciting atmosphere, R.J. Gator’s has become the place that locals take their out-of-town friends. Today, R.J. Gator’s is known for Florida signature foods like alligator tail, Havana banana chicken with black beans and rice, handmade coconut shrimp with sweet plantains and the fresh catch of the day. The restaurant also features a large selection of fresh salads, steaks, half-pound burgers and hot sandwich platters.