The National Minority Franchising Initiative has named Captain D’s Seafood among the Top 50 franchises for minorities.

“Captain D’s is among those outstanding franchisors that have demonstrated an exceptional focus on recruiting and supporting minority franchisees,” said C. Everett Wallace, a co-founder of NMFI, which was formed in 1999 to connect franchising opportunities to the minority community.

Selection to the Top 50 is based on many factors, Wallace said, including historical performance, brand identification, market dynamics, franchisee satisfaction, the level of initial training, on-going support and financial stability.

David Head, president and COO of Nashville-based Captain D’s Seafood, said the Top 50 designation is an honor for everyone who works at the company. “We’re extremely proud of our record with minority franchisees. It’s great to be recognized by the NMFI and for Captain D’s to be included among such an impressive register of highly regarded companies.”

Captain D’s roster of minority franchisees includes SERVE Holdings LLC which operates 23 restaurants in Tennessee and Mississippi, and Valerie and Jim McClure of VJM Seafood which operates two restaurants in Georgia.

“As a business Captain D’s operates with the same high standards we consider as the foundation for our business. We expect the best from our employees as Captain D’s expects the best from our organization as a franchisee. Captain D’s has given us an opportunity to build a very successful business, and we are building momentum every year,” said Clarence Mitchell III, CEO and principal of SERVE Holdings which is Captain D’s largest franchisee.

“We’re proud to be a member of the Captain D’s family,” Jim McClure said. “As long time customers, we knew the brand well and strongly believe in it. The Captain D’s minority program has contributed to our success and we are looking forward to opening more Captain D’s restaurants.”