R.J. Gator's vs Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
R.J. Gator's Franchise
Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise
Investment $855,500 - $1,200,000$232,900 - $828,700
Franchise Fee $40,000$38,500
Royalty Fee 4%6-8%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19862011
Year Franchised 19952014
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
R.J. Gator's Franchise
Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
R.J. Gator's Franchise
Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/Yes
Start-up Costs No/No-/Yes
Equipment No/No-/Yes
Inventory No/No-/Yes
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
R.J. Gator's Franchise
Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise
Training - On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours
Support -Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software
Marketing -Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations -Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 2


Expansion Plans

 
R.J. Gator's Franchise
Cousins Maine Lobster Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion NoYes

Company Overviews

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.


About Cousins Maine Lobster

Cousins Maine Lobster is looking for motivated, experienced business people to help us expand our brand of Maine lobster around the world.
Cousins Maine Lobster is real cousins with a passion for the sweet, delicious Maine lobster we grew up eating. We started selling lobster rolls out of a single truck in the spring of 2012. After a lot of hard work (and a good amount of fun) we now have a fleet of trucks and several franchise commitments throughout the United States.
Cousins Maine Lobster's commitment to quality food and great customer service has led to our being featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, The Chew, the Katie Couric show, CNBC, FOX, and QVC!
Cousins Maine Lobster has been named the LA Hot List’s #1 Food Truck in LA two years in a row and Tasting Table named us the “Best Lobster Roll on the West Coast” for 2013, 2014, and 2015. Our passion, our nationally recognized brand, our customer loyalty and our awesome lobster rolls make us special. If you’re looking to own your own business and are ready to start selling the #1 lobster rolls in America, sign up to join our family.

Cousins Maine Lobster is seeking franchisees who are committed to our brand, offering the highest quality food in a family-friendly environment with outstanding customer service, and offering Maine lobster every day from our official Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Cousins Maine Lobster franchise is $232,900 to $828,700. This includes between $68,500 and $98,500, that must be paid to franchisor and its affiliates.
The total additional investment necessary to become a Cousins Maine Lobster Area Developer with one additional franchise is $30,000 to $120,000 for 4 additional franchises. This includes $30,000 to $120,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s). If you elect and qualify for an Area Developer franchise, you must open a minimum of one additional Cousins Maine Lobster franchise business.

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#421 in Franchise 500 for 2020.