After Long Absence, Captain D’s Ignites Corporate Growth
Captain D’s celebrated a milestone on Oct. 20 by opening its first new company-owned restaurant in several years. The restaurant is located in Birmingham, Alabama’s Five Points area, and it is part of Captain D’s recently announced program to reignite corporate-store development.
The Five Points location was originally built as an Arby’s. Rather than demolishing the building and starting from scratch, D’s development team was able to convert the structure into a brand new Captain D’s.
The Five Points location, along with all of Captain D’s new corporate stores, will be built with the coastal theme. The redesign resembles a seaside destination and includes new menu boards, dinnerware and a newly reformulated equipment line. The “Beach Design” has been a hit with long-time customers and has attracted countless new customers.
Captain D’s innovation has led to impressive returns, increased customer traffic and higher average guest checks.
As a result, the seafood restaurant chain has attracted several high-profile franchisees that have signed agreements to open Captain D’s restaurants. In September, Tony Lutfi, one of the nation’s most prominent multi-unit franchisees, signed a five-restaurant deal with Captain D’s. Lutfi, whose portfolio includes several Jack in the Box, Sizzler, Little Caesars, Arby’s and Church’s Chicken locations, indicated that the company’s upward trajectory convinced him to buy into the brand.
Captain D’s is actively seeking both single and multi-unit franchisees across several states including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, and the Carolinas, among other states.
“Captain D’s has developed a tremendous amount of momentum, and our new and existing franchisees are adding to their portfolios,” said Phil Greifeld, President and CEO of the fast-casual chain. “The corporate-growth initiative is a sign of Captain D’s strength and strong unit economics.”
In addition to the new ambiance, Captain D’s restaurants highlight D’s new Fired Grilled menu, which includes Shrimp Skewers, Wild Alaskan Salmon, Seasoned Tilapia, and Surf and Turf (shrimp and beef skewers).
“Our successes have been a result of a systematic strategy,” Greifeld added. “The restaurant redesign and menu innovation have resulted in increased customer counts and higher guest checks. It truly is an exciting time for Captain D’s.”
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Captain D’s owns, operates and franchises 520 restaurants in 25 states, plus military bases around the world. Captain D’s offers its customers great seafood at reasonable prices in a relaxed environment. The brand’s restaurants serve a widely varied seafood menu that includes freshly prepared entrees and the company’s signature hand-battered fish, which is prepared to order to ensure freshness. The restaurants also offer premium-quality grilled fish, as well as shrimp, chicken, shrimp and beef kabobs, hushpuppies, desserts, and freshly brewed, Southern-style sweet tea, a Captain D’s favorite. For more information, please visit www.captainds.com.
