Shuckin’ Shack Looks To Bring High-Quality Oysters and Coastal-Lifestyle Restaurants To Atlanta, Georgia

Founded in the coastal town of Carolina Beach, North Carolina by friends Sean Cook and Matt Piccinin, Shuckin’ Shack started as a simple oyster shack in 2012. The company quickly became a seafood staple, providing a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that appeals to families of all ages and demographics. 

Shuckin’ Shack decided to introduce a franchising opportunity in 2014 after bringing its high-quality seafood and cocktails to a successful second location in Historic Wilmington, North Carolina. Since then, the seafood hangout has been gearing up for explosive growth, opening 16 locations across five different states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia and soon to be Florida. 

The company has identified a new target market in Atlanta, Georgia after an incredibly successful opening just 40 minutes away in Cumming, Georgia. The Peach State’s capital city and its surrounding area have been identified as Shuckin’ Shack’s strongest new development opportunity for successful franchising. 

“Georgia is a rapidly growing market,” said Shuckin’ Shack CEO Jonathan Weathington. “As more and more transplants and tourists flock to the area, foot traffic is at a higher rate than ever before.”

Since day one, Shuckin’ Shack has been committed to opening stores that make sense geographically, competitively and financially. According to Weathington, Atlanta’s commuter market is extremely robust, offering an established and developed customer base built-in to the area. 

In addition to the success of the Cumming Shuckin’ Shack operation, the development push comes with the recognition of a high-opportunity market in Atlanta proper. “There are not many fresh seafood concepts in the area, especially not with domestically sourced products and full-service cocktail bars,” said Weathington. 

In addition to being an untapped market, the Atlanta area also features a fairly affordable cost of living, appealing to Shuckin’ Shack’s ideal demographic of single-income homes and young professionals looking for a laid-back restaurant experience.

Michael Mitchell, the owner of Cumming, Georgia’s Shuckin’ Shack operation, was thrilled to bring the oyster bar concept to the Atlanta metropolitan area. 

“I love seafood and I knew this would be a great concept to come into the area,” he said. “This is the only full-service seafood restaurant in Cumming and after living in the area for 23 years, I knew people were clamoring for seafood offerings. I’m very proud to be a Shuckin’ Shack franchisee in Georgia and I can’t wait to see what is to come.”

Some specific neighborhoods that have been pinpointed are Decatur, Sherwood Forest, Buckhead and Midtown. According to Weathington, the market can award up to five locations and could stretch all the way up from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Greenville, South Carolina. 

In order to take full advantage of Atlanta’s potential for expansion, Shuckin’ Shack is targeting both single- and multi-unit franchisees who are eager to utilize the brand’s proven franchising system.

Hoping to replicate the successful operation in Cumming, the brand is looking for “no holds barred” franchisee candidates in the metro area who are committed to providing great customer service and value from the Shuckin’ Shack brand. While previous restaurant industry experience is helpful, Weathington noted, the brand is primarily looking for genuine and authentic franchise partners who will provide the ultimate service to everyone who walks through the door.

“We can’t wait to invite guests in Atlanta to have that vacation-inspired lifestyle experience that is grounded in second-to-none, fresh seafood,” said Weathington. “That’s what Shuckin’ Shack is all about.”

The startup costs for a Shuckin’ Shack franchise range from $234,200 to $541,350 and include a $37,500 single-unit franchise fee. For more information on available franchise opportunities, visit https://www.shuckinshackfranchise.com.