Captain D's Launches First European Restaurant in the UK to Enthusiastic Reception

Captain D's First European Restaurant Opens in Kent, UK

Captain D's, the renowned American seafood and chicken restaurant chain that has been delighting customers since 1969, has officially launched its first European flagship restaurant in Broadstairs, Kent. The highly anticipated opening took place on November 11, 2025, at the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, marking a crucial milestone in the brand's international expansion efforts.

The grand opening was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as over 1,500 guests were served on the first day, eager to sample Captain D's signature dishes, including the Nashville-style Fish and Chips. The new restaurant embodies a modern fast-casual concept, featuring a coastal-inspired interior and a menu brimming with freshly prepared favorites such as hand-battered fish, golden shrimp, crispy chicken tenders, and the highly sought-after hush puppies.

Daryl Stutchbury, CEO of Captain D's UK, expressed his pride and excitement, stating, "This grand opening is a proud and emotional moment for us. The overwhelming public response has exceeded all expectations, and we were thrilled to serve over 1,500 fish and chip orders on our first day alone."

The grand opening event, held on October 20, 2025, was attended by notable figures including Councillor George Rusiecki, Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property of the Conservative Party, and Councillor Qaisar Abbas, the 49th Deputy Mayor of Thurrock, who officially cut the ribbon. The leadership team from Captain D's, including Brad Reed, Chief Development Officer, and Hair Parra, Senior Vice President of International Operations and Development, flew in from the United States for this occasion.

"The success of our debut in the UK underscores the global appetite for great seafood paired with a welcoming, family-friendly experience. This is just the beginning of Captain D's journey across Europe and beyond," added Parra.

The Broadstairs location is the first of 20 planned restaurants in the United Kingdom, with additional locations already in the works for Sussex and Hampshire. Captain D's is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and operates over 530 restaurants across 23 states and three countries. As the leading fast-casual seafood restaurant in the U.S., Captain D's has been recognized as number one among QSR Magazine's Top 50. With over 50 years of experience, Captain D's offers quality seafood at reasonable prices in a welcoming atmosphere, serving an array of dishes including freshly prepared entrees and their signature battered fish, alongside grilled options like shrimp, salmon, and trout, as well as hush puppies, desserts, and sweet tea, echoing Southern traditions.

For more information about Captain D's and its global expansion opportunities, visit Captain D's Franchising.