Captain D's Seafood vs Shuckin' Shack Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Captain D's Seafood vs Shuckin' 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
Shuckin' Shack Franchise
Investment $1,005,600 - $1,223,600$252,700 - $841,750
Franchise Fee $35,000$45,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%3.5-5.5%
Advertising Fee 1.1%1.5%
Year Founded 19692007
Year Franchised 19692014
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Captain D's Seafood Franchise
Shuckin' Shack Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

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

    Training & Support

     
    Captain D's Seafood Franchise
    Shuckin' Shack Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 219 hours Classroom Training: 21 hours Additional Training: Onsite store opening On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 64 hours
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Ongoing Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures 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 Ad Templates National Media 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)

    Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 20

    Expansion Plans

     
    Captain D's Seafood Franchise
    Shuckin' Shack Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    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 Shuckin' Shack

    "Shuckin

    When the founders opened the first Shuckin’ Shack in 2007, their goal was to provide the highest quality seafood and drinks while removing all the pre-conceived notions of only getting great food a few times per year. Opening the second location in Historic Wilmington in 2012 brought similar success, even in a market flooded with seafood restaurants, taverns, and bars. One thing remained clear - Shuckin’ Shack was different than the tired “fry it all” seafood houses found all over the Southeastern United States. After a warm reception and a number of awards, as well as being featured in Coastal Living Magazine’s “22 Best Seafood Dives in America,” 2014 brought a new adventure: franchising. Sticking with the same mantra that brought two successful restaurants in North Carolina,

    Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar can now be found in multiple states with over a dozen locations. The formula that works for “The Shack” can be found in their mission statement: “To show each guest ‘A Good Shuckin’ Time’ through fresh seafood, high-quality spirits, and exceptional customer service.”
    Are you ready to bring ‘A Good Shuckin’ Time’ to your community?

    Seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states:
    Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming

    Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee