Captain D’s, the leading national fast casual seafood restaurant, today announced the official opening of its newest restaurant in Franklin, North Carolina, at 28 Berry Boulevard. This opening marks the brand’s 28 location in the state.
The new restaurant is owned and operated by longtime Captain D’s franchisees Jim and Val McClure, who have been with the brand for more than a decade and currently own five locations in Georgia. The McClure’s are no strangers to the food industry. Jim grew up on a farm in Dahlonega, Georgia, which he eventually inherited, expanded, and operated for 23 years. He also has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Georgia. Today, Jim and Val still live on their farm and raise cattle in Dahlonega, the city where they opened their first Captain D’s in 2003.
“Val and I are incredibly proud to be part of the Captain D’s family and have enjoyed growing with the brand over the last 11 years,” says Jim McClure, Captain D’s franchisee. “This is our first restaurant outside of Georgia, and we’re thrilled to introduce Captain D’s fresh seafood and new restaurant design to the Franklin community.”
The opening in Franklin is the brand’s first this year and comes on the heels of unprecedented growth in 2014. The success has carried over into 2015, achieving 4.94 percent same-store-sales growth in Q1 and 5.2 percent in Q2 with the second quarter representing Captain D’s 15th consecutive quarter of positive growth.
“This is a very exciting time for our brand, as we expect to close out the year with franchise agreements to open 75 new restaurants, with a dozen new locations to open by the first quarter of 2016,” says Michael Arrowsmith, Captain D’s chief development officer. “We’ve been targeting North Carolina for franchise and corporate expansion and are hopeful that we’ll continue to grow in the state following the McClure’s opening in Franklin. We’re so proud to be opening this new location and give Jim and Val our full support as they make a name for Captain D’s in Macon County.”
With 512 restaurants in 26 states, Captain D’s is the fast-casual seafood leader and number one seafood franchise in America ranked by average unit volume. Captain D’s recently unveiled a new design featuring a vibrant coastal atmosphere and upgraded the dining experience with new plate ware and silverware. Captain D’s new menu, featuring several new items, is brought to life with upgraded menu boards and also features several new kids’ meal offerings. With these efforts, Captain D’s has remained true to what it does best—serving high-quality seafood with warm hospitality at an affordable price.
Captain D’s is currently seeking single and multiunit operators to join in the brand’s rapid expansion in North Carolina and beyond.
