Casual Dining / Sit-Down Restaurants
Franchise ID: u5J01CzBd6sXxRna4GTWS1

Red Lobster

Fresh Seafood, Family Traditions

Franchise Overview

Overview

Red Lobster is an iconic casual dining brand specializing in fresh seafood and family-friendly service. For over five decades, it has set the standard for sit-down seafood dining across North America and beyond. Red Lobster’s welcoming atmosphere and renowned menu of shrimp, lobster, fish, and signature Cheddar Bay Biscuits attract guests of all ages, making each meal a memorable occasion. The brand remains committed to quality, sustainability, and creating genuine guest experiences.

Key Features

  • Red Lobster prides itself on:
  • • Fresh, high-quality seafood sourced with sustainability in mind
    • Signature menu items loved worldwide
    • Proven, scalable restaurant operations model
    • Comprehensive infrastructure and technologically advanced systems
    • Powerful brand recognition across segments

User Experience

Red Lobster invites guests to relax in a comfortable environment, where attentive hospitality and a diverse menu deliver a lasting impression. From casual lunches to special celebrations, each guest enjoys expertly prepared seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and Red Lobster’s famous biscuits. Engaged staff and consistent food quality create a dining experience that guests return to time and again.

Market Opportunity

Seafood continues to be a growing segment in global restaurant markets. With widespread appeal and strong demand for fresh, sustainable menu items, Red Lobster offers franchisees a compelling opportunity for long-term investment. The concept thrives in high-traffic retail, urban centers, and destination locations. Its operational model and robust support network help franchisees achieve consistent results and capitalize on market trends.

Franchise Requirements

Initial Franchise Fee$35,000 - $75,000 (regional variation)
Total Investment$1,800,000 - $3,700,000
Royalty Fee4% of gross sales
Marketing Fee2.5% of gross sales
Contract Term20 years, renewable
Net Worth Requirement$1,500,000+
Liquid Capital Required$500,000+
ExperienceMulti-unit restaurant management experience strongly preferred
Financial Highlights
Average Unit Volume
$3,690,000
Average Profit Margin
10-12% EBITDA
Typical Break Even
20-36 months
ROI (after 3 years)
15-20% (projected, after 3 years)
Quick Facts

Established

1968

Total Units

700+ worldwide

Headquarters

Orlando, FL, USA

Staffing

70-120 employees per location

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