When CEO Phil Greifeld took the leadership helm at Captain D’s, the fast casual seafood chain that operates and franchises 527 restaurants in 25 states, growth was the only option. In his first full year as CEO, along with what he calls his “A-Executive Team,” Captain D’s concluded fiscal 2011 with positive system wide same-store sales growth.
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the fact that this was the first time since 2003 that the entire D’s organization has achieved positive system wide same-store sales growth!
“To be same-store sales positive for the first time in eight years is a testament to our heighten level of execution and our focus on improving our guest satisfaction,” Greifeld said. “Our positive sales momentum is building and we look forward to a terrific 2012 for the D’s brand.”
Captain D’s success was no accident, Greifeld said, as the chain also produced strong earnings growth during 2011, too. Under Greifeld’s leadership, the brand has strategically invested in the future of its business – including investments in upgraded corporate and field talent, investments in improving its core products, investments in new restaurant equipment as well as a re-engineered operating line and the development of new facility décor and designs.
During the 4th quarter of 2011, Greifeld further strengthened the D’s executive team with addition of Laurie Lawhorne as its new Chief Financial Officer along with Chief Marketing Officer, Jonathan Muhtar.
“We have a terrific brand support by a highly talented team that will take D’s to new levels of success in the coming year,” Greifeld said.
