Here’s Why Amarillo Doesn’t Have A Long John Silver’s and May Never

One of the most wished-for restaurants in Amarillo, Texas is Long John Silver's.

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This delicious greasy seafood and chicken restaurant has a cult following.

Read More: Yes, There is Really A Cult of Long John Silver's in Texas |

Amarillo was once home to at least 4 Long John Silver's restaurants, but unfortunately due to bad management and lack of care and money, they shuttered up.  Other businesses have moved into the skeletons of the buildings that once screamed, "If we did well ring the bell"

If you want Long John Silver's and live in Amarillo, you must drive to Lubbock, Clovis NM, or farther to get your fish and chicken with extra crumbs fix.

“We are happy to hear that Amarillo loves our food. At this time, there are no future plans for a Long John Silver’s in Amarillo, TX. We are a mostly franchise owned and operated brand and are always looking for enthusiastic individuals who are interested in becoming franchise owners. We hope to sail again in Amarillo.”

Will Amarillo Ever Have Long John Silvers?

The answer to this question is probably not.  Here's why:

1. To even qualify for a LJS franchise, you need a net worth of at least $1 million, with $500,000 in liquid capital.

2. Opening a Long John Silver's could cost up to $2M.

• Franchise fee: $35,000
• Construction and build-out costs
• Equipment and furnishings
• Initial inventory and supplies
• Marketing and advertising expenses
• Licensing and permits
• Training expenses for staff
• Working capital to support initial operations

Oh, and this doesn't include the real estate purchase or lease and fees for those.

3. Fees: Franchisees must pay a 5% royalty and advertising fee, when combined adds up to 10% of the gross sales.

These are the reasons we may never see Long John Silver's sail again in Amarillo.  With the rising costs of everything in our world today, it may be a while before we can hope to see a Long John Silver's open in Amarillo.

If you know someone who possesses this kind of money, then beg them and plead with them to open an LJS franchise because we all want our fish, chicken, hushpuppies, and crumbs.