Established
1969
Franchise Units
530
Minimum Investment
$781,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$1,125,000
Home Based
No
Description
Captain D’s is one of America’s most recognizable names in the fast-casual seafood industry — a trusted brand serving freshly prepared seafood for over five decades. Known for its golden-battered fish, crispy shrimp, and Southern-style sides, Captain D’s has built a loyal customer base that values flavor, affordability, and family-friendly dining.
The franchise has mastered the balance between a traditional seafood experience and modern quick-service convenience, making it a go-to choice for families and seafood lovers across the United States. With strong brand equity, streamlined operations, and proven profitability, Captain D’s continues to stand out as a dominant player in the quick-service seafood sector.
This franchise presents a strong business opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to join an iconic brand that’s expanding aggressively across the country with a winning recipe for success — delicious food, efficient systems, and dedicated franchisee support.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Captain D’s franchise means aligning with a brand that has decades of operational excellence and strong consumer demand. The seafood industry in the U.S. continues to grow as customers seek healthier alternatives to traditional fast food. Captain D’s has strategically positioned itself to cater to this demand with affordable seafood served fast and fresh.
Franchise owners benefit from a recession-resilient business model, a diversified menu that appeals to multiple demographics, and innovative restaurant formats (including express and drive-thru models) that increase ROI and reduce startup costs. The brand’s long-standing success, strong corporate backing, and award-winning marketing campaigns make it one of the most promising investments in the restaurant sector today.
Background
Captain D’s was founded in 1969 in Donelson, Tennessee, by Ray Danner, with a simple mission: to make great-tasting seafood accessible to everyone. Over the years, the brand has evolved into a powerful franchise system known for its consistent quality, welcoming atmosphere, and value-driven meals.
Today, Captain D’s operates more than 530 locations across the United States, making it one of the largest quick-service seafood restaurant chains in the country. The company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and continues to expand through franchising under its parent organization, Captain D’s LLC.
The brand has earned recognition in multiple industry rankings, including being featured in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list and Nation’s Restaurant News Top 200 Chains. Captain D’s success stems from a clear operational model, decades of consumer trust, and a leadership team committed to helping franchisees thrive in their markets.
Industry Category: Fast Casual / Quick Service Restaurant (Seafood)
Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Current Franchise Units: 530+ (and growing)
Founded: 1969
Support Training
Captain D’s takes pride in providing extensive franchisee support and training that ensures operational success from day one.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection, real estate analysis, and lease negotiations.
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Guidance on restaurant design, construction, and equipment procurement.
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Support in obtaining necessary permits, vendor connections, and local marketing setup.
Comprehensive Training
Franchisees and their management teams participate in an in-depth 6–8 week training program at Captain D’s University in Nashville. The training covers everything from restaurant operations, food preparation, safety, staffing, and customer service to marketing execution and financial management.
Operational Support
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Dedicated Field Business Consultants for on-site performance reviews and operational coaching.
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Regular updates on menu innovation, seasonal promotions, and cost optimization.
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Proprietary technology systems for POS, supply chain management, and reporting.
Marketing & Ongoing Support
Captain D’s provides national and regional marketing campaigns, PR strategies, and local advertising toolkits. Franchisees also receive access to the brand’s creative assets, digital marketing materials, and loyalty programs designed to increase repeat traffic and brand visibility.
Ideal Candidate
Captain D’s seeks franchisees who are:
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Passionate about hospitality and restaurant management
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Willing to follow a proven system
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Have business or multi-unit restaurant ownership experience (preferred but not required)
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Possess strong leadership and team-building skills
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Financially capable of meeting investment requirements
Financial Detail
Below is an overview of the financial requirements and investment structure for owning a Captain D’s franchise in the U.S. market:
| Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $781,000 – $1,125,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $350,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $1,000,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 1.5%–2% of gross sales |
| Franchise Units (Approx.) | 530+ |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV) | $1.5M+ (varies by location) |
| Expected ROI | 15%–20% annually |
| Break-Even Period | Typically 24–36 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Drive-thru, Takeout, Delivery, Catering |
Captain D’s also offers conversion models for existing restaurant operators, reducing construction costs and allowing faster entry into the market.