Shuckin Shack Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$456,750 - $1,496,420
Franchise Fee
$40,500
Min Cash Required
$20,000
Total US Locations
18
Business Summary
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar operates as an oyster bar and seafood restaurant that offers a neighborhood atmosphere. It features fresh seafood like oysters, clams, and other shellfish, along with sandwiches, salads, and other menu items. Each location also includes a full-service bar, providing options for on-premises dining, carryout, catering, and delivery.
Corporate History
Shuckin Shack Franchising LLC was established as a North Carolina limited liability company on February 18, 2014. The company operates the Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar Restaurant franchise system, having begun offering franchises on April 10, 2014. The company does not have any predecessors or a parent company. However, its affiliates, Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar Inc. and Shuckin' Shack Downtown, LLC, have been operating similar Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar Restaurants since 2008 and 2016, respectively.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$456,750 - $1,496,420
Franchise Fee (Low)
$40,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$130,000
Minimum Cash Required
$20,000
Royalty %
5.5%
Marketing %
1.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$336,400
Equipment Costs (High)
$1,157,847
Working Capital
$35,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Shuckin Shack Franchising LLC's financial statements show positive net operating income, reaching $278,809 in 2024 and $267,122 in 2023. The company also reported positive cash and cash equivalents, which increased to $528,979 in 2024 from $459,339 in 2023. Members' equity is positive and growing, standing at $322,696 in 2024. While the auditor's report noted their responsibility to evaluate if there were conditions raising substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern, it did not state that such a qualification was issued. The company has an $80,000 line of credit, with $60,000 outstanding in 2024, and a $20,000 loan to a related party for office renovations. Overall, Shuckin Shack Franchising LLC appears to be in a healthy financial position, with increasing revenue and cash flow, and no specific financial concerns highlighted by the auditors beyond their general responsibilities.
Financing Details
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. This means that Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar will not provide loans, payment plans for the initial franchise fee, or guarantees for any notes, leases, or other obligations that franchisees may incur. Franchisees are responsible for securing all necessary funding from third-party sources.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
18
Franchised Units
16
Corporate Units
2
Avg Square Footage
2,650
Franchising Since
2014
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar has no litigation to report, as stated in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. This means the franchise has no recent or ongoing lawsuits, complaints, or legal actions that are required to be disclosed.
Bankruptcy History
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar has no bankruptcy history to report for itself or its key personnel, as stated in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar franchise, franchisees must be in compliance with the terms of their Franchise Agreement, provide 180 days prior written notice of their request to renew, and sign the then-current form of Franchise Agreement and any related agreements for the renewal term. They must also sign a general release in favor of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, remodel and upgrade their restaurant to meet current brand standards and specifications, and secure the legal right to continue occupying their restaurant location. All owners and their spouses must also be in compliance with their agreements and personally guarantee the terms of the new renewal Franchise Agreement.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar assists franchisees with granting the franchise, defining the designated territory, providing access to the Operations Manual, and reviewing and approving the chosen site. They provide lists of approved suppliers, distributors, signage, equipment, furniture, and fixtures. Franchisees are identified on the Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar website and must complete an initial three-week training program, which includes classroom and on-the-job instruction in Wilmington, NC, as well as some virtual and on-site support. Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar also conducts five pre-opening site visits, including assistance during the soft opening. After opening, ongoing support includes supplemental training (available for a fee if requested or required), initial training for replacement managers (for a fee), communication of operational and marketing standards, administration of the Brand Development Fund, and participation in an annual system conference (with a fee). Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar may also designate pricing and hours of operation.
Initial Training Hours
144
Training Location
Wilmington, NC
Ongoing Support
After opening, Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar provides various ongoing support services. This includes optional or required supplemental on-site training (for a fee of $250 per trainer per day plus expenses) and initial training for any replacement Operating Managers (for a fee of $250 per manager per day plus expenses). The franchise communicates updated operating standards, procedures, and System requirements. They also provide ongoing marketing standards and require approval for marketing materials. Franchisees receive lists of approved vendors and suppliers. Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar may organize an annual system conference that franchisees are required to attend (with a fee up to $1,500 plus the franchisee's travel and accommodation expenses). The franchisor also administers a Brand Development Fund to which franchisees contribute. Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar does not provide assistance with hiring or training employees, but it reserves the right to designate maximum, minimum, and promotional pricing as well as hours of operation for the restaurants.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar is looking for franchisees who will be personally responsible for the management and overall supervision of their restaurant. If the franchisee is a corporate entity, a designated Managing Owner must be approved by the franchisor and successfully complete the initial training program. While hands-on involvement from the Managing Owner is recommended, an approved Operating Manager can oversee daily on-site operations. Franchisees, including all Owners and their Spouses, are required to personally guarantee all financial obligations under the franchise agreement. Ideal candidates should possess good moral character, sufficient business experience, aptitude, and financial resources, and must not own or operate a competitive business.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar defines its designated territory for a single restaurant to generally encompass a population of 25,000 to 35,000 people as of the date of the Franchise Agreement. If a restaurant is in an area with high non-resident traffic, the designated territory may include fewer than 25,000 people. The franchisor identifies territories by zip code, boundary streets, highways, county lines, or other recognizable demarcations.
Staffing Notes
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar requires franchisees to have a Managing Owner or an approved Operating Manager responsible for the day-to-day on-site operations and supervision of the restaurant. For initial training, the franchisee or Managing Owner, one designated manager, and two additional individuals must attend a three-week program. If more than four individuals attend initial training, an additional fee per person will apply. On-site assistance for the soft opening includes 40 hours of support. Training phases include instruction for Owners, General Managers, and key Front-of-House (FOH) and Back-of-House (BOH) employees. All employees are required to wear specific uniforms, and staff training must conform to Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar's standards and specifications.