Captain D's Makes a Splash in the UK with Major Franchise Agreement

Captain D's Expands to the UK: A New Chapter in Global Growth

Captain D's, the leading fast-casual seafood chain in the United States, is setting sail for Europe with an ambitious plan to expand its operations to the United Kingdom. On January 16, 2025, the company announced it had secured a franchise agreement for 20 locations throughout the UK, starting with its first restaurant in the London area in 2025. This development signifies a significant step in the brand's international expansion strategy.

Why the UK?

The decision to enter the UK market is part of Captain D's broader vision of transforming into a global brand. The UK is seen as a key market with vast potential, and the company is keen to introduce its signature seafood offerings to a new audience. With the prevalence of seafood lovers in the UK, Captain D's aims to meet this demand with its unique menu, which includes freshly prepared entrees and the renowned batter dipped fish that customers in the U.S. have come to love.

Phil Greifeld, CEO of Captain D's, expressed enthusiasm about this venture, stating, "Captain D's will bring our craveable seafood to the guests of the UK." The partnership with experienced restaurant operators in the region underscores Captain D's commitment to thoughtful international growth and ensuring long-term success across its franchises.

A Focus on Sustainability

Hair Parra, the Senior Vice President of International Operations and Development for Captain D's, emphasized the importance of building something sustainable in the UK. He remarked, "Our goal is not only to expand but to ensure we're building something sustainable and impactful." By collaborating closely with master franchisees in the UK, Captain D's is confident it will deliver exceptional results and create a lasting impact in this competitive market.

Adaptability in Diverse Markets

One of Captain D's strengths lies in its flexible restaurant prototypes. This adaptability allows the brand to cater to various real estate opportunities and marketing needs, critical factors in successfully penetrating a new market such as the UK. The diverse menu also resonates with a wide range of cultural tastes, positioning Captain D's favorably among local consumers.

With over 530 restaurants across 23 states in the U.S., Captain D's leads the fast-casual seafood industry and is recognized as the number one seafood franchise by average unit volume. The company is eager to accelerate its international outreach and is actively seeking master franchisees and multi-unit operators to further this growth agenda beyond the UK, targeting regions like Canada, Central and Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Conclusion

Captain D's exciting expansion into the UK marks a pivotal moment in its global strategy. The move not only underscores the growing popularity and demand for seafood dining options but also highlights the restaurant's dedication to providing quality and sustainable dining experiences. As Captain D's sails into new waters, expectations are high for its successful adaptation and impactful presence in the UK and beyond.