Long John Silver Franchise
Long John Silver’s, the U.S.’s number one restaurant for fried fish, keeps up with modern tech, busy families and environmentally-friendly consumers.
$250,000
$20,000
485
1969
Louisville, KY
Blain Shortreed
About Long John Silver
Long John Silver’s is based on a simple premise: Americans love fried food, and they absolutely adore seafood. As the top seller of fried fish in the country, the brand caters to quick service markets with high-quality Alaska whitefish and fresh cod, tasty shrimp, battered chicken and iconic hushpuppies. Long John Silver’s features a mixture of drive-thru service and restaurant seating, appealing to individuals in search of a fast lunch and families who want to share the joys of seafood and tangy tartar sauce together.
In addition to classic QSR fare, the popular U.S. chain also offers menu items targeted to people with a more health-conscious outlook, including non-fried options such as grilled fish tacos, long grain rice, grilled salmon and baked shrimp. All Long John Silver’s restaurants use pure canola oil for frying, and its hallmark cod and Alaska whitefish are wild caught and sustainably harvested.
Franchise Unit Trends
485
2
-
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$20,000
5.0% - 6.0%
Gross Receipts
1.0% - 5.0%
Gross Receipts
Why Choose Long John Silver?
Potential franchisees interested in opening a Long John Silver’s may benefit from the brand’s noteworthy financial incentives program. While the chain does not provide financing directly, this program offers up to $45,000 in savings that can make initial startup easier on franchisees. Perks include a waived franchise fee, no royalty payments during the first six months and a state-of-the-art digital drive-through ordering system provided at no cost.
Pre-launch training involves six weeks of instruction at a certified Long John Silver’s restaurant. Managers receive one-on-one assistance from approved company representatives and hands-on training in all aspects of restaurant operation. After the grand opening, franchisees have access to ongoing help via an online portal and periodic visits from field operation leaders and franchise business coaches.
The corporate headquarters spearheads marketing campaigns on behalf of franchisees both nationally and locally. This includes television advertising, print media and online marketing methods tied to new product launches and promotions.
One of the most unique benefits of operating a Long John Silver’s restaurant is the ability to open co-branded locations that appeal to an even larger audience. Co-branded restaurants combine Long John Silver’s with American favorites such as Taco Bell, KFC or A&W.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$600,000 - $1,000,000
$500,000
$250,000
Training & Support
Operating managers receive six weeks of live training in an approved Long John Silver’s location, in addition to ongoing instruction post-launch via the National Online Training and Standards Portal and yearly regional training meetings.
History
From it’s very beginning, Long John Silver’s was all about the fish. The idea for a national brand focused on seafood first occurred to founder Jim Patterson after a trip to the ocean. While on vacation, Patterson ordered fish and chips from a local restaurant and loved every minute of it. This spurred the Louisville, Kentucky restaurateur to launch Long John Silver’s in 1969. He believed that Americans who lived far from the coast would fall in love with high-quality, fresh fish. He was absolutely right.
Fifty years later, the chain has almost 1,000 restaurants across the country, selling more fish than any other brand. During lent, restaurants almost double their sales.
In 2016, Long John Silver’s launched a deep rebranding, creating a more playful, updated logo, designing a sleek-but-colorful restaurant exterior and implementing state-of-the-art drive-through ordering systems. Its current focus is on building a reputation for top-quality ingredients and friendly service above all else.
Ideal Candidate
Financial incentives may make opening a Long John Silver’s more accessible to first-time franchisees. However, potential owners must have a net worth of at least $500,000 and $250,000 in liquid capital before applying. U.S. military veterans enjoy additional perks, including a sizeable credit for their new restaurant’s starting inventory.
While it’s not a definite requirement, candidates who commit to opening three stores in a three-year period — and who have the financial means to do so — may have an easier time securing approval. Being passionate about the Long John Silver’s brand is also an important qualification.
Franchisees should know that they will have to assume some of the responsibilities related to construction of a new restaurant, such as purchasing real estate and selecting an architect or general contractor. Long John Silver’s assists with the process and offers recommendations through its development team of design and construction managers.
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