Franchising
Want to join us in bringing the joy of the sea to everyone on land and make a few clams doing it? Sea what it takes to become a Long John Silver’s franchisee.
The Seafood Opportunity
Fish is a high-protein, low-fat food that provides a range of health benefits. White-fleshed fish, in particular, is lower in fat than any other source of animal protein, and oily fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, or the “good” fats. Since the human body can’t make significant amounts of these essential nutrients, fish are an important part of the diet. Also, fish are low in the “bad” fats commonly found in red meat, called omega-6 fatty acids(1). And Fish consumption is on the rise. Estimated U.S. per capita consumption of fish and shellfish was 15.5 pounds in 2015. This total is an increase of 0.9 pounds from the 14.6 pounds consumed in 2014, which represents the second consecutive year with such an increase.
Our Story – Lexington, KY. 1969
Founded in 1969, Long John Silver’s (“LJS” or the “Company”) pioneered the seafood quick service restaurant industry, making great tasting, sustainably sourced and affordable seafood accessible to consumers across the country.
Over the last ~50 years, Long John Silver’s combining its national scale, strong consumer awareness, craveable menu, compelling proposition, and unmatched seafood knowledge and expertise. Today, Long John Silver’s owns, operates and franchises nearly 700 restaurants (~70% franchised) located across 38 U.S. states and Singapore generating annual system wide sales of ~$413 million.
- Long John Silver’s is the largest seafood QSR operator in the world, and the only operator in the U.S. with a national presence
- Craveable seafood, like that offered by Long John Silver’s, has grown in popularity as a healthier alternative to typical QSR offerings
- Long John Silver’s QSR format (including drive-thrus) offers superior convenience compared to traditional full service seafood concepts
- Over 97% of Long John Silver’s units have a drive-thru
- Known for its premium quality seafood at affordable price points, Long John Silver’s offers extraordinary value to its customers
Today we are looking to grow both internationally in Asia, Middle East and Latin America and Domestically nationwide. We are currently recruiting qualified Franchise partners and Master Franchise partners in these markets.
Domestically we have a focus on bringing quality and dedicated prospective franchisees into our historic restaurant brand. Long John Silver’s, LLC, is looking for multiple unit operators, who can commit to investing in 3 to 5 stores over a 3 to 5-year period as owner operators.
Internationally, we are looking for Master Franchisees who can manage a country and/or region by developing and operating equity stores with the option to sub-franchise. Such sub-franchising right would be effective once an agreed upon equity stores are open and operated. Ideally, the Master Franchisee is already in the restaurant industry, running multiple brands and has experience of multibrand management.
If you believe you meet these qualifications and continue to have an interest in our system and potentially begin a franchising relationship, please complete the form below for our review.
We will send you a copy of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for review. In addition, we will send you a Request for Consideration Form (RFC) and a Background Check Form for completion. You will be required to provide accompanying documentation with the RFC and Background Check Form for our review.
Long John Silver’s Quality
Not only is LJS’ food craveable and delicious, it is sourced responsibly and its quality is unsurpassed in the restaurant industry. Long before sustainability became an industry buzzword, Long John Silver’s was creating strategic partnerships with those who shared the vision of fishing smarter with less environmental impact. Wild-caught fish come from the deep waters of the Bering Sea while other items such as shrimp are sourced from only the best managed supply partners. Long John Silvers’ seafood is antibiotic free, hormone free, GMO free, additive free and contains no artificial color or flavors.
Advantage of Being an Long John Silver’s Franchisee
LJS delivers a far more attractive value proposition than its full service peers while simultaneously offering quality seafood to consumers.
Traditional QSR
- Speed of service
- Affordable
- Accessible
- Highly replicable
Traditional Seafood
- High quality seafood offering
- Emphasis on customer satisfaction
- Clean, polished atmosphere
- Highly trained staff
Training & Restaurant Support
Long John Silver’s provides training and ongoing 24/7 support to our franchisees. Franchise support is led by Long John Silvers’ field operations leaders, who are supported by a large team of professionals spanning operations, training, field franchisee business coaches, and 24/7 IT support.
Dedicated Team of Professionals
Focus on Franchisee Support and Recruitment
Franchise Business Coaches
Maintain Minimum Operating Standards
Annual Franchisee Business Meetings
Field Training
LJS Training Department
Promotion Training Webinars
Annual regional Training Meetings
Weekly System Communications
National Online Training and Standards Portal
LJS Helpdesk
Maintain Minimum Operating Standards
Restaurant Support
Real Estate and Construction
Long John Silver’s has experienced industry experts in real estate development/site selection, restaurant design, architecture, and construction, waiting to support the construction or re-image of your LJS restaurant.
Marketing
LJS manages a collective advertising fund to support brand marketing activities. All franchise and company restaurants contribute to the national advertising fund.
Marketing programs are developed by Long John Silver’s team of marketing experts, with input from the Franchise Association Board. Long John Silver’s also supports and assists franchisees in the development and execution of local trade area specific marketing programs.
Long John Silver’s development team is available to provide direction and feedback from the site selection process through the restaurant’s grand opening. We partner with franchisees and their architects/engineers heavily during the preliminary design and site-adaption phase with the shared goals of a site and restaurant space that is optimized for success, provides a safe and healthy environment for our employees and customers, complies with jurisdictional codes and standards, and champions our dynamic “True North” identity. Our experienced design managers support the franchisee’s construction team during the planning and execution phases, through the transition to the operations and training teams.
What are the financial requirements?
Net worth of $500,000 with $250,000 of that in liquid capital
What does it cost to open a Long John Silver’s?
Excluding real estate costs, a freestanding restaurant will range from $800,000 to $1,000,000
An in-line endcap with drive-thru will range from $600,000 to $800,000
What is the franchise fee?
$20,000 (USA)
What is the royalty % fee?
5% (USA)
What is the advertising % fee?
5% (USA)
How long does it take to be approved as a franchisee?
Once the application is received the vetting process is typically 6 – 8 weeks for approval.
What kind of training can I and my team expect?
Long John Silver’s training program includes 6 weeks of training for your operating managers in a certified training restaurant prior to opening your first Long John Silver’s. Once open, at least one member of the LJS training team as well as members of the Operations team will be there to support you.
What kind of support can I expect once my restaurant is open?
Each franchisee is assigned a Franchise Business Director (FBD) who reports to the Senior Director of Franchise Operations. The FBD communicates weekly with their assigned franchisees via email and/or by phone. Each restaurant receives a formal visit from the FBD to conduct a standards evaluation at least once a year.
Restaurants also receive a Food Safety Audit 2X per year conducted by a certified National Food Safety Audit Provider.
The Annual Business Review (ABR) is conducted with each franchisee once per year. These meetings are designed to recap the previous year’s performance and review the brands Strategic Plan going forward.