#UK #Captain D's #seafood restaurant #Maidstone

Captain D's Expands Its UK Footprint

Captain D's, the celebrated American restaurant chain specializing in seafood and chicken, is making significant strides in the UK market with the recent opening of its second location at The Mall Maidstone in Kent. Launched on December 22, 2025, this new restaurant marks a pivotal moment in the brand's international growth strategy, solidifying its commitment to expanding its footprint across Europe.

The Maidstone establishment, consisting of a counter-service format, is designed to accommodate 48 diners and offers a diverse menu that has already garnered positive attention since the debut of its first UK location in Broadstairs earlier in October 2025. Since entering the UK market, Captain D's has rapidly captured the hearts of local diners, many of whom have praised the quality and freshness of the offerings, alongside the restaurant's modern aesthetic.

Naveed Chattha, representative for CD's Holdings—Captain D's UK master franchisor—expressed enthusiasm over the remarkable reception. He remarked, "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 both the strength of the brand and the opportunity for expansion across the UK."

Initial performance data reveal that the classic batter-dipped fish remains the top seller among customers, alongside strong performances from the chicken sandwich and fish burger options. There is particularly high interest in Captain D's Nashville-inspired dishes, which have exceeded expectations, illustrating a hunger for diverse flavors and quality ingredients.

Hector Parra, Senior VP of International Operations and Development at Captain D's, expressed confidence in the brand's potential for global outreach. He stated, "Our UK launch has confirmed what we've seen in other global markets—Captain D's travels extremely well. We provide a unique combination of menu differentiation, operational simplicity, and strong unit economics. The enthusiastic consumer response we've seen early on gives us confidence as we continue expanding our horizons in the UK and beyond."

The strategic growth plan includes opening a third restaurant within the next six months, subject to final site evaluation. CD's Holdings is actively inviting local entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators to explore the possibility of bringing Captain D's to further markets in the UK and across Europe, reinforcing their dedication to scaling the brand's international presence.

Founded in Nashville, Tennessee, Captain D's boasts over 530 locations throughout the United States and Canada, maintaining its status as the leading fast-casual seafood restaurant in the nation. For eight consecutive years, the chain has been ranked number one in the seafood category in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, showcasing its successful business model and customer rapport.

To discover more about Captain D's offerings or to learn about potential franchise opportunities, interested parties can visit their official website.

With its ambitious expansion plans and commitment to quality, Captain D's is poised for continued success as it spreads its wings in the competitive UK dining landscape, ensuring that seafood lovers have an exciting new option to explore.

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