Shuckin' Shack Closes 2022 with 3 New Locations in 2 New States

Shuckin’ Shack, the 19-unit oyster bar concept, has had a monumental year. In 2022, the concept opened three new restaurants, signed two additional deals, broke into the Naperville and Mansfield markets and led a remarkable system-wide tour benefiting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. The concept continues to win awards in its local markets and is ending the year up 7% for same-store sales.

“We’ve continued to grow, but the expansion of the Shuckin’ Shack network is just one of the accomplishments we’ve had this year,” said CEO Jonathan Weathington. “Shuckin’ Shack led an incredible effort to fundraise for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, a cause close to the hearts of multiple people within the network.”

Through its Fresh and Raw Tour, Shuckin’ Shack raised over $52,000 for charity, traveling to 17 cities and covering 3,000 miles in just 30 days.

While this tour served as a phenomenal way to drive business and unite the network around a cause, it also reinvigorated franchisees and proved just how important a caring, connected franchise network can be to the customer experience. Similarly, guests who attended any of the Shuckin’ Shack locations on their respective tour nights had a one-of-a-kind experience with live music, great food and an unbeatable atmosphere.

As the concept continues to grow, it maintains an emphasis on a strong franchise network full of business owners who are committed to providing the absolute best service.

The company has seen a 7% increase in same-store sales this year and is rounding out its seventh consecutive year, aside from 2020, a notoriously tough year for restaurants, with same-store comps exceeding 5%. Compared to 2019, the network will round out the year with average store comps exceeding 14%.

“We continue to grow well,” Weathington added. “We don’t have any huge technological advances or special innovations that we rolled out in 2022 to increase our sales… We just serve people well, and that’s been our biggest strength throughout the pandemic and as we’ve had a strong 2022.”

Top-notch service has secured “too many awards to count” across multiple markets and new restaurants continue to see just as much success as their predecessors. With both store count and average unit volume increasing, Shuckin’ Shack is proud to report minimal price increases, offering yet another stand-out quality within its market.

Shuckin’ Shack’s ability to not only survive through the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns but to thrive, demonstrating exponential growth coming out of the worst of the pandemic, illustrates the strength and unique offerings of the model.

The global seafood market is expected to exceed $335 billion by 2025, but it has been steadily growing for years. In 2021, oysters, Shuckin’ Shack’s primary offering, saw the biggest climb in sales value relative to the other seafood proteins. While these numbers demonstrate the potential available to Shuckin’ Shack franchisees, they also clarify just how impressive the brand’s success and business choices are. Its ability to continue to drive guest count while maintaining quality and affordability in the fresh seafood space makes it an incredibly attractive option for the general public.

Looking to 2023, Shuckin’ Shack’s goals are simple. The concept will continue to grow within its current footprint, emphasizing the southeast, Illinois and Texas. Orlando, the last available market in central Florida, is also a target for growth.

“Ultimately, we’re interested in opening healthy restaurants with good people,” Weathington said. “That has been our guiding principle throughout the growth of the concept, and we are excited to see where it will take us as we continue to expand.”

The cost to open a Shuckin’ Shack franchise ranges from $453,000 to $1,128,252. Average NET Sales per location are $1,342,640. For more information, visit https://shuckinshackfranchise.com.

About Shuckin' Shack: 

Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar grew out of a vision for a local establishment that would appeal to families of all ages. A place where friends and family can enjoy fresh, delicious meals and creative cocktails in an environment that exudes relaxation. Shuckin' Shack offers its guests a "lifestyle experience" in addition to exceptional seafood. The brand started as a 900-square-foot shack in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, in 2007 and began franchising in 2014. Today, Shuckin' Shack has grown to 19 locations across seven states. To learn more about Shuckin’ Shack, visit http://www.theshuckinshack.com