Kelly’s Cajun Grill is a fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its bold Cajun flavors and signature Bourbon Chicken. It first opened its doors in 1991 at the Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise, Florida, where it introduced its famous Bourbon Chicken that became the brand’s hallmark dish.

The franchise arm, Kelly’s Cajun Grill Franchise Corporation, was incorporated in Florida in 1995 and began franchising in 1996. Its headquarters are located in Coral Gables, Florida. Kelly’s Cajun Grill operates under the International Restaurant Management Group (IRMG), a company that manages several successful restaurant brands.

Kelly’s Cajun Grill offers a Cajun-inspired menu featuring dishes such as Bourbon Chicken, blackened chicken, blackened fish, shrimp étouffée, and spicy Cajun chicken, along with a selection of flavorful sides. The franchise focuses on high sales within compact spaces, often located in mall food courts or kiosks, emphasizing operational efficiency and low overhead.

Training

Kelly’s Cajun Grill provides a mandatory training program designed to prepare franchisees for successful restaurant operations. The training lasts approximately two and a half weeks and takes place in South Florida or another designated restaurant location. This program is essential before the franchise begins operating.

1. Mandatory Training Attendance
   Franchisees are required to attend a 2.5-week training session that covers the critical elements of operating a Kelly’s Cajun Grill location. This includes operational standards, menu preparation, and business procedures necessary for compliance with the franchisor's system.
2. Training Location and Costs
   Training occurs at a specified restaurant or training facility in South Florida. Franchisees are responsible for all travel, lodging, meals, and compensation of their attendees. Estimated costs range from $3,000 to $6,000 for two attendees, excluding airfare.
3. Ongoing Support
   Although not explicitly outlined in the training program section, it is implied that franchisees must remain compliant with updates to operational standards, which may necessitate ongoing education or refresher sessions.

Territory Protection

Kelly’s Cajun Grill does not provide exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are granted the right to operate only at the specific location approved by the franchisor, and there is no assurance that other franchises or company-owned restaurants won’t be established nearby. This means that multiple locations may operate in close proximity if the franchisor chooses to expand.

The franchisor retains full control over site approvals and does not limit itself geographically when granting new franchises. Additionally, while franchisees must adhere to operational and branding standards, they are not given any exclusive rights to market beyond their approved location.