Bobby Chez
Food & Beverage · Seafood
Description
What is Bobby Chez?
The franchise stands out in the competitive food and beverage industry by focusing on a hybrid business model that combines retail takeout with wholesale distribution. Each Bobby Chez location serves as both a neighborhood seafood destination and a commercial kitchen, preparing their famous handmade crab cakes and other seafood specialties for both direct consumers and local restaurants.
What sets Bobby Chez apart is their dedication to maintaining the highest standards in seafood preparation. Their proprietary recipes and cooking techniques have been perfected over decades, ensuring that every crab cake and seafood dish meets their exacting standards. The brand's success is built on a foundation of carefully sourced ingredients and time-tested preparation methods that have earned them a reputation for excellence.
For franchisees, Bobby Chez offers a unique opportunity to join a specialized niche in the food industry. The business model is designed to maximize efficiency while maintaining the artisanal quality that customers have come to expect. With comprehensive training programs and ongoing operational support, franchise owners receive the tools needed to maintain the brand's high standards while building a successful business in their local market.
- Nearly three decades operational experience
- Specialized seafood restaurant expertise
- Established brand since 1996
- Mid-tier accessible investment range
- Quality-focused dining concept
- Proven restaurant business model
Location Analysis
Where Bobby Chez wins
The brand's concentrated presence in its original market has allowed it to refine its operational model and build strong local recognition in the seafood segment. For prospective franchisees, ideal locations would likely mirror the characteristics of existing successful units: areas with medium to high-income demographics, strong dinner traffic, and populations that appreciate quality seafood offerings. Key location criteria should include sites in retail corridors or lifestyle centers with strong visibility and accessibility.
Potential franchisees should focus on markets with limited premium seafood competition, strong disposable income, and coastal or urban areas where seafood consumption is higher than average. The lack of established franchise territories means early franchisees may have significant input in market selection, though this also necessitates more thorough due diligence in location analysis.
Is your territory available?
We'll take you through a few quick questions, then Bobby Chez confirms availability directly.
Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Bobby Chez
The seafood restaurant sector benefits from growing consumer demand for fresh, quality dining experiences and health-conscious protein options. However, this segment faces operational complexities including supply chain management, food safety protocols, and skilled labor requirements that potential investors must consider.
With 28 years of operational history since 1996 but only 4 units currently operating, Bobby Chez represents a mature concept with limited franchise expansion. This small system size may indicate selective growth strategies or market challenges, requiring careful evaluation of franchisor support capabilities and brand recognition in target markets.
The reported gross revenue of $990,197 falls below the sub-sector average of $1,624,500, though direct comparisons are limited given only two franchises in the comparison dataset. Investors should thoroughly analyze unit-level economics and market positioning factors contributing to this variance.
Ideal candidates should possess restaurant industry experience, strong operational management skills, and sufficient liquid capital for working capital needs beyond the initial investment. The seafood segment demands hands-on leadership and quality control expertise. Prospective investors must review the complete FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence to evaluate territory rights, ongoing fees, and operational requirements before making investment decisions.
Financing partners
Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees
Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.
FranFund
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $249,000 to $498,000. The midpoint $373,500 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
FDD Item 19
Average gross sales
According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Bobby Chez has an average gross revenue of $990K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)
Growth over time
Franchise footprint
2022 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Bobby Chez's 2022 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Bobby Chez franchise typically ranges between $249,000.00 and $498,000.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.
Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2022. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
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