Shuckin’ Shack Eyes Greenville, NC for New Franchise Location

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, the laid-back seafood restaurant franchise with 17 locations across six states, has set its sights on Greenville, North Carolina for continued growth. With a focus on markets that mirror existing successful markets for Shuckin’ Shack, the team is looking to grow with quality Franchise Partners.

“We really want to continue to open healthy restaurants with good people, and Greenville is a great market for us to do this in,” said CEO Jonathan Weathington. “There’s a very large, public university. It’s not far from our headquarters, and we already have a location in Rocky Mount, NC that does well, so that boosts our brand awareness in the area, too.”

With a population of over 91,000, the Greenville market is steadily growing and continues to be a hub for major industries. In addition to the tens of thousands of health care, education, and retail trade jobs in the market, Greenville is a hot spot for East Carolina University’s student population and consistent tourist traffic.

Greenville has a cost of living over 14% below the national average, making it a more affordable market. But with a median household income of over $50,500 and an average household income of over $70,600, people in the Greenville community are financially stable with the funds for discretionary spending — another positive marker for restaurant growth.

In addition to the market’s overall strength, it’s an attractive environment for a seafood franchise, specifically. Seafood is the fifth most common restaurant cuisine in Greenville, indicating a clear affinity for the food, but there is still plenty of capacity in the community for growth. With 26 seafood establishments currently serving the market, there is still unmet demand, and Shuckin’ Shack can stand out even further with its unique experience.

While great food and beverages certainly set Shuckin’ Shack apart, the relaxed, social environment and truly localized approach Shuckin’ Shack Franchise Partners bring to their markets serve to elevate the brand even further.

“Shuckin’ Shack is steeped in coastal culture, making us a great fit for markets that have strong ties to seafood and the coastal way of life,” Weathington said. “And even in markets where there are existing seafood establishments, Shuckin’ Shack’s customization allows us to become a space where members of the community truly want to be. They feel a part of the family, and they’re excited to come spend time with us.”

Rather than opening an oyster bar in their markets, Shuckin’ Shack Franchise Partners open and nurture an establishment that can become the oyster bar in the town. The place to go to feel welcome, cared for and connected with fellow community members.