The Instagram-worthy Lobster Rolls and Chowder Fries from Slapfish will soon be available in San Diego, as the world’s largest premium fast casual seafood concept has finalized a franchise agreement to build 5 locations in the area with the first slated to open later this year. Slapfish founder and celebrity chef, Andrew Gruel, grew the wildly successful concept from a food truck to a restaurant chain that today includes 7 units in California and over 60 additional units across the U.S., Europe and Middle East.
Franchisee Adam Shamel is a San Diego native with an extensive background in business consulting and franchising. Shamel was initially drawn to Slapfish because of its unique positioning as the only concept in the seafood category which offers chef-driven fine dining menu options at fast casual prices.
“Slapfish immediately stood out to me when I was researching potential brands I would be interested in franchising,” Shamel explained. “Until now, I haven’t seen a fine dining seafood concept take on fast-casual like Andrew has with Slapfish and I have been extremely impressed with everything I’ve seen. The food tastes amazing and I am excited for the opportunity to bring 5 Slapfish stores to the San Diego region.”
Shamel is currently exploring real estate all throughout the San Diego County market and hopes to open his first location by Summer 2017.
Slapfish was founded based on sustainable seafood practices and the idea that people can have access to good-tasting food in a fast casual setting. Gruel and Slapfish have appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, The New York Times, Nation’s Restaurant News, and The Cooking Channel.
Slapfish has created a distinct brand that revolved around the “boat-to-plate” cuisine in a casual setting. Slapfish was awarded the #3 spot on FastCasual’s 2016 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list. Slapfish was also listed on the 2016 MenuMasters Trendsetter Award by Nation’s Restaurant News.
Slapfish is expanding through a partnership with Fransmart, the franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
About Slapfish
Slapfish is a classic and sustainable American Seafood Franchise – seafood redefined with a fresh attitude, simple flavors and a healthy smack of the gourmet. Slapfish has created a distinct brand that revolves around great “boat-to-plate” cuisine in a casual, relaxed setting. Chef Gruel’s menu revolves around a variety of daily and seasonally changing features and his ocean-fresh menu emphasizes bibb-worthy dishes and bold flavors, with seafood sourced from well-managed suppliers of eco-friendly seafood. The brand currently has six units open, with over 50 more in development.
Learn more about Slapfish franchising opportunities
