Captain D's Expands Presence in the UK with New Restaurant
Strong early performance fuels franchise expansion plans as brand targets additional UK locations
Captain D's, the iconic American seafood and chicken restaurant brand, has officially opened its second UK restaurant at The Mall Maidstone in Kent. This expansion comes after the brand's highly successful debut of its first UK restaurant in Broadstairs. Captain D's was recently recognized as the #1 in the seafood category by Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, marking the eighth consecutive year of this accolade.
A Step Forward in International Growth
The new location, managed by CD's Holdings, serves as a counter-service restaurant offering seating for 48 guests within the Mall Maidstone food court. This strategic placement reflects Captain D's flexible development approach, enabling the brand to adapt well to different sizes and styles of venues.
The Maidstone restaurant showcases a menu similar to the one launched in Broadstairs, where it has already received favorable feedback and demonstrated strong customer interest. Since entering the UK market, Captain D's has quickly connected with local guests who appreciate the quality food and inviting restaurant design.
Exceptional Market Response
Naveed Chattha, spokesperson for CD's Holdings, remarked on the enthusiastic response from guests stating, "The response to Captain D's in the UK has been exceptional. Guests have connected immediately with the food, the flavors, and the overall experience. Opening our second location so quickly demonstrates the strength of the brand and the opportunities for growth across the UK."
Early performance indicators have been positive, showcasing a parallel with the brand's successful operations in the U.S. The classic batter-dipped fish remains a top seller, while the chicken sandwich and fish burger are also highly favored among customers. The enthusiasm for Captain D's Nashville-inspired flavors has even exceeded expectations.
Future Expansion Plans
According to Hair Parra, Senior Vice President of International Operations and Development, the early success in the UK supports the brand's international growth strategy. He stated, "Our UK launch has confirmed what we've seen in other global markets—Captain D's travels extremely well. The brand delivers a compelling combination of menu differentiation, operational simplicity, and strong unit economics. The favorable consumer response encourages us as we expand throughout the UK and beyond."
The opening of the Maidstone restaurant is just the beginning, as there are plans for a third UK location within the next six months, subject to final site selection. The master franchisor is also on the lookout for local entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators interested in furthering the Captain D's brand across additional UK markets and into Europe.
About Captain D's
Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Captain D's operates over 530 restaurants in 23 states across the U.S. and Canada. Renowned as the nation's leading fast casual seafood restaurant, Captain D's has been ranked #1 in its category for eight consecutive years in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. Since its founding in 1969, Captain D's has provided its customers with high-quality seafood at reasonable prices in a welcoming atmosphere. Not only does Captain D's feature freshly prepared entrees, but it also offers superior grilled selections, including shrimp, salmon, hushpuppies, desserts, and freshly brewed coffee. With its expansion into Europe, Captain D's looks forward to serving new customers through its first UK restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Captain D's?
Captain D's is a renowned American fast-casual seafood restaurant chain that specializes in fresh seafood and chicken dishes.
Where is the new Captain D's restaurant located?
The new restaurant has opened at The Mall Maidstone in Kent, UK.
What type of menu does Captain D's offer?
Captain D's offers a diverse menu including freshly prepared seafood entrees, chicken, and signature items like their famous batter-dipped fish.
How many locations does Captain D's have?
Captain D's operates over 530 locations across the United States and Canada.
What are the future expansion plans for Captain D's?
Captain D's plans to open additional locations in the UK and actively seeks entrepreneurs to expand into more European markets.
