Captain D's Celebrates Grand Opening of First European Restaurant in the UK
In an exciting development for seafood lovers, Captain D's, the renowned American fast-casual seafood and chicken chain, has officially opened its first-ever restaurant in the United Kingdom. Located in the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs, Kent, this milestone marks a pivotal moment in the brand's international expansion strategy. The opening day was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as over 1,500 guests were served, eager to experience the signature flavors of Captain D's.
Founded in 1969 in Nashville, Tennessee, Captain D's has built a reputation around its Southern-style seafood offerings. The new restaurant in Broadstairs features a modern and inviting design, reminiscent of coastal themes, aimed at creating a unique dining ambiance. On the menu, customers can find a variety of freshly prepared dishes, including hand-battered fish, golden shrimp, crispy chicken tenders, and the restaurant's famous hush puppies. One of the highlights of the day was the Nashville-style fish and chips, which quickly became a favorite among guests.
Daryl Stutchbury, CEO of Captain D's UK, expressed immense pride and excitement during the grand opening event, highlighting the positive reception from the local community. 'This grand opening is a proud and emotional moment for us. The overwhelming response from the public has exceeded all expectations,' stated Stutchbury. The celebration was marked by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by notable figures including Councillor George Rusiecki and Councillor Qaisar Abbas, who contributed to the festive atmosphere of the day.
Captain D's plans to expand further across the UK with an ambitious goal of opening 20 locations, with additional sites already in development in Sussex and Hampshire. Brad Reed, Chief Development Officer, and Hair Parra, Senior Vice President of International Operations, traveled from the U.S. to oversee the launch and emphasize the brand's commitment to delivering a delightful dining experience.
The opening of this Broadstairs location showcases Captain D's dedication to providing high-quality seafood options in a family-friendly environment. Parra emphasized that the success of their UK debut illustrates a significant demand for exceptional seafood dining experiences, stating, 'This is just the beginning of Captain D's journey across Europe and the globe.'
Captain D's is recognized as the leading fast-casual seafood restaurant in the United States, boasting more than 530 locations across 23 states and three countries. With a variety of seafood offerings, ranging from freshly prepared entrees to signature batter-dipped fish, the brand continues to attract seafood enthusiasts across diverse markets. Guests can also enjoy grilled items like shrimp and salmon, along with traditional hush puppies and Southern-style sweet tea, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone.
As Captain D's continues to spread its wings internationally, food lovers in the UK can look forward to experiencing the distinctive flavors and family-oriented atmosphere that the chain has perfected over the last five decades. To learn more about Captain D's and its global expansion, visit their franchising website.