According to Crab N Spice's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, there were 4 company-owned outlets operating at the start of 2023. The FDD provides a table outlining the status of company-owned outlets from 2021 to 2023. This table shows the number of outlets at the start of each year, the number at the end of the year, and the net change in outlets.

For a prospective franchisee, this information indicates the scale of Crab N Spice's corporate operations. It can be helpful to understand how the franchisor manages its own outlets, as this can reflect their operational expertise and commitment to the brand. A larger number of company-owned stores might suggest a greater alignment of interests between the franchisor and franchisees, as the franchisor also directly experiences the challenges and rewards of running Crab N Spice outlets.

However, it's important to note that the number of company-owned stores alone doesn't guarantee success. Franchisees should also consider the performance of these stores, the level of support provided by the franchisor, and the overall health of the franchise system. Reviewing this data in conjunction with other sections of the FDD, such as Item 19 (Financial Performance Representations) and Item 21 (Audited Financial Statements), will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Crab N Spice franchise opportunity.