Captain D's Seafood vs Shell Shack Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Captain D's Seafood Franchise
Shell Shack Franchise
Investment $1,005,600 - $1,223,600$588,500 - $858,900
Franchise Fee $35,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%-
Advertising Fee 1.1%-
Year Founded 1969-
Year Franchised 1969-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Captain D's Seafood Franchise
Shell Shack Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		• 5 years minimum multi-unit operations experience Ability to develop two or more restaurants Sufficient Financial Resources: Minimum liquid assets $500,000 Minimum net worth $1,500,000 Strong Banking Relationships or Investment Capital

    Financing Options
     
    Captain D's Seafood Franchise
    Shell Shack Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Captain D's Seafood Franchise
    Shell Shack Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 219 hours Classroom Training: 21 hours Additional Training: Onsite store opening All managers and control personnel must participate in a 2-3 week training program at the Shell Shack Training Center located in Dallas, TX. Additionally, we provide an Opening Training Team; which is composed of at least 5 of our trained representatives to provide on-site pre-opening and opening training, supervision and assistance to you for a minimum of 14 days. Once completed, franchisees receive regular updates to their training, including on-site visits and operation reviews.
    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
    Shell Shack Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Shell Shack

    Shell Shack is a one of a kind seafood restaurant experience in the casual dining segment specializing in proprietary infused seasoned crab and seafood of all shapes and sizes. The Shell Shack family strives to better our customer experience each and every day through operational excellence. We believe our seafood loving customers are the reason the Shell Shack brand grew 100% in 2016 and we anticipate doubling our locations in 2017. If you have proven restaurant success and are looking to diversify your portfolio or just have a perfect location, then we challenge you to reach out and tell us your story.

    What makes Shell Shack different?