How Much Does a Maryland Blue Crab® Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$203K – $513K
Franchise Fee
$19K
Royalty
3.0%
Ad Fund
1.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Maryland Blue Crab® is $19K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Maryland Blue Crab® franchise requires a total investment of $203K – $513K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $50K to $100K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Maryland Blue Crab® franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 3.0% of gross sales (Gross Revenues). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 1.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $500.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Maryland Blue Crab® requires working capital of $50K – $100K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
Maryland Blue Crab® does not disclose earnings data in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish financial performance representations, though this is a data point many prospective franchisees consider important.
How Do Banks View Maryland Blue Crab®?
SBA Loans Issued
2
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Maryland Blue Crab® has 2 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
Talk to current Maryland Blue Crab® franchise owners
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