Shuckin Shack is a seafood restaurant franchise offering fresh oysters, seafood dishes, and a casual, coastal atmosphere, focusing on quality and customer enjoyment.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
16
+
-6%
-6%
Franchise fee
?
$45,000
Investment
?
$457,000 - $1,401,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,142,000
+
-7.4%
-7.4%
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Shuckin’ Shackoffers a laid-back seafood dining experience with a spotlight on oysters, hearty seafood platters, and dishes inspired by Southern cuisine. The brand launched in 2007 in Wilmington, North Carolina, where it quickly became known for its fresh seafood and relaxed, coastal-style atmosphere.
Now based in Wilmington, the franchise has expanded to multiple states, serving guests through both dine-in and takeout options in a fun, welcoming setting suitable for families. Franchising opportunities were introduced in 2012, fueling the brand’s steady growth over the years.
What sets Shuckin’ Shack apart is its commitment to delivering a genuine coastal dining experience, prioritizing fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients. Alongside seafood, the menu features Southern comfort classics and an array of craft beers, creating a unique blend of flavor and ambiance.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Shuckin Shack franchise is
$457,000 - $1,401,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$45,000
Training and Opening Fee
$15,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$232,000 – $803,540
Lease Deposits and Rent – Three Months
$10,000 – $30,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
$103,000 – $332,353
Signage
$1,400 – $21,954
Computer, Software and Point of Sales System
$8,600 – $14,750
Grand Opening Marketing
$1,500 – $7,800
Initial Inventory
$15,000 – $16,500
Utility Deposits and Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$1,000 – $20,432
Insurance Deposits – Three Months
$750 – $9,000
Travel for Initial Training
$700 – $8,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 – $2,500
Licenses and Permits
$1,800 – $24,591
Additional Funds – Three Months
$20,000 – $50,000
Total Estimate
$456,750 – $1,401,420
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$45,000
Training and Opening Fee
$15,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$232,000 – $803,540
Lease Deposits and Rent – Three Months
$10,000 – $30,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
$103,000 – $332,353
Signage
$1,400 – $21,954
Computer, Software and Point of Sales System
$8,600 – $14,750
Grand Opening Marketing
$1,500 – $7,800
Initial Inventory
$15,000 – $16,500
Utility Deposits and Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$1,000 – $20,432
Insurance Deposits – Three Months
$750 – $9,000
Travel for Initial Training
$700 – $8,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 – $2,500
Licenses and Permits
$1,800 – $24,591
Additional Funds – Three Months
$20,000 – $50,000
Total Estimate
$456,750 – $1,401,420
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Shuckin Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Shuckin Shack had 18 total units in 2025, of which 16 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.
Shuckin’ Shack provides a structured and multi-phase training program for its franchisees to ensure they are equipped to operate the business effectively. The training is mandatory and covers several distinct areas:
Initial Training Program: Conducted over approximately three weeks, this program is required for the Managing Owner and designated managers. It includes both classroom and on-the-job instruction, possibly delivered on-site or remotely. This program must be completed at least 60 days before opening the restaurant.
Soft Opening Training: Franchisor offers 40 hours of on-site training assistance at the franchise location during the soft opening. Any additional time is billed as an Additional Initial Training Fee.
Grand Opening Assistance: Franchisor provides on-site support for the grand opening event at no additional charge unless the event exceeds the expected duration. Up to $5,000 from the Initial Franchise Fee may be allocated for promotional support.
Territory Protection
Shuckin’ Shack grants its franchisees a “Designated Territory” once a restaurant site is approved. While the franchise does not offer an exclusive territory, it does promise not to open another Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar or grant another franchise within that designated area, provided the franchisee remains in compliance.
The size and shape of the territory vary and may be defined by population metrics or geographic boundaries such as zip codes or landmarks.
However, Shuckin’ Shack and its affiliates retain certain “Reserved Rights,” which allow them to operate or grant others the right to operate restaurants under different trademarks, even within the Designated Territory.
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