Long John Silver’s Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Long John Silver’s is an established American seafood fast-food franchise that traces its roots back to 1969 in Lexington, Kentucky. The company now operates from its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.
The brand began franchising in 1970, making it one of the earliest seafood-centered quick-service restaurant concepts in the United States. Its rapid expansion positioned it as a leader in bringing affordable seafood to the fast-food market.
The chain’s menu highlights include wild-caught Alaska pollock, cod, salmon, shrimp, and the signature hushpuppies. All dishes are cooked in 100% high-oleic canola oil, reinforcing the brand’s focus on quality.
What sets Long John Silver’s apart is its ability to serve freshly prepared seafood in a quick-service format, supported by responsible sourcing and dedication to sustainable fishing practices.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Long John Silver’s franchise? It costs on average between $924,000 – $2,228,000 to start a Long John Silver’s franchised restaurant.
This covers construction, kitchen equipment, inventory, and early operating expenses. The total investment varies based on factors such as the restaurant format, geographic location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property. Long John Silver’s offers 2 types of franchises:
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Traditional Format (Freestanding Building) | $1,343,500 – $2,228,000 |
| Traditional Format (Other) | $923,500 – $1,393,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Long John Silver’s Traditional Format (Freestanding Building).
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Background Check | Up to $3,000 |
| Real Estate | As Agreed |
| Construction Costs | $850,000 – $1,500,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $200,000 – $250,000 |
| Signage/Awnings | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Computer System | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Training Expenses and Pre-Opening Assistance | $72,500 – $115,000 |
| Start-up Inventory | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Pre-Opening and Opening Advertising Fee | $20,000 |
| Security Deposit, Utilities, Licenses & Prepaids | $3,000 – $30,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $50,000 – $130,000 |
| TOTAL | $1,343,500 – $2,228,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Long John Silver’s franchise? A Long John Silver’se franchised location makes on average $557,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Long John Silver’s locations are there?
As of the latest figures, Long John Silver’s operates 362 franchised locations and 225 corporate units across the U.S.
What is the total investment required to open a Long John Silver’s franchise?
The total investment required to open a Long John Silver’s franchise ranges from $924,000 to $2,228,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Long John Silver’s franchise?
Franchisees of Long John Silver’s are required to pay a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales for traditional restaurant formats, while some non-traditional formats may be charged up to 6%. In addition, there is a marketing or advertising fee of 5% of gross sales for traditional restaurants, with non-traditional formats typically paying around 1%.
What are the financial requirements to become a Long John Silver’s franchisee?
To qualify as a Long John Silver’s franchisee, candidates must meet certain financial thresholds. Specifically, a prospective owner must have a net worth of at least $1,000,000, with $500,000 of that in liquid capital.
How much can a Long John Silver’s franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Long John Silver’s franchise are approximately $0.56 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.56 million yearly revenue can result in $84,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Long John Silver’s?
The franchise is owned by LJS Partners LLC, a consortium of franchisees and private investors who acquired Long John Silver’s from Yum! Brands in 2011.
Disclaimer
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