Captain D's Launches First European Restaurant in the UK, Attracts Crowds

Captain D's Launches in the UK: A Seafood Sensation

On November 11, 2025, Captain D's, the iconic American seafood and chicken restaurant founded in 1969, proudly opened its first European location at the Westwood Cross shopping center in Broadstairs, Kent. This significant milestone marks the brand's first venture into the European market, offering British customers a taste of authentic Southern-style seafood.

The grand opening attracted enthusiastic crowds, with customers lining up early to enjoy Captain D's signature fish and chips. The new restaurant features a modern fast-casual dining concept, characterized by coastal-inspired interiors and contemporary design. The menu includes freshly prepared favorites such as hand-breaded fish, golden shrimp, crispy chicken fillets, and their famous hush puppies.

Daryl Stutchbury, CEO of Captain D's UK, expressed pride and excitement during the opening. "This inauguration is a moment of pride and emotion for us," he said. "The overwhelming public response exceeded all expectations. We were thrilled to serve over 1,500 fish and chips on the opening day alone."

The opening ceremony, held on October 20, 2025, was attended by local dignitaries, including Councillor George Rusiecki, Shadow Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property, and Councillor Qaisar Abbas, the 49th Deputy Mayor of Thurrock, who performed the official ribbon-cutting.

The leadership team from Captain D's, including Brad Reed, Director of Development, and Hair Parra, Senior Vice President of International Operations and Development, traveled from the United States to attend the event. Parra commented, “The success of our debut in the UK reflects the global appetite for quality seafood and for a welcoming family-oriented experience. This is just the beginning of Captain D's journey across Europe and the world.”

The Broadstairs restaurant is the first of 20 planned locations in the UK, with additional venues in Sussex and Hampshire already in development. This expansion aims to bring the delightful tastes of Captain D's seafood offerings to a wider European audience.

Captain D's is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and currently operates over 530 restaurants across 23 states and three countries. The restaurant is recognized as the leading fast-casual seafood chain in the United States, having been awarded the top ranking in the QSR 50 list by AUV. With over 50 years in the seafood industry, Captain D's offers high-quality seafood at reasonable prices in a welcoming atmosphere, serving a wide variety of freshly prepared menu items.

For more information about Captain D's and details on global expansion opportunities, visit captainD's franchising website.