The Instagram-worthy Lobster Rolls and Chowder Fries from Slapfish will soon be available in San Diego, as the premium fast casual seafood concept has finalized a franchise agreement to build five 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 seven 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 says. “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.
Slapfish is expanding through a partnership with Fransmart, the franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
