Captain D’s started 2016 strong, closing out the first quarter of the year with its 18th consecutive quarter of positive growth, generating a 2.5 percent system-wide same-store sales increase. The leading fast-casual seafood restaurant chain is also experiencing a surge of new franchise and corporate growth.
“We’re thrilled that our unwavering commitment to exceed our guests’ expectations has continually translated into strong results quarter after quarter. We are confident that 2016 will be another record-breaking year for our brand,” says Phil Greifeld, chief executive officer and president of Captain D’s. “Our talented franchisees and company operators are the backbone of Captain D’s, and their dedication to our passionate guest-centric culture has been a driving force behind our company’s year-after-year compounding success. We are also highly enthused about the continued strong success that our new restaurants openings are experiencing.”
A recent opening in Boiling Springs, South Carolina, marked the brand’s second new corporate location in the Spartanburg area in the past six months. Following the Boiling Springs opening, Captain D’s will be continuing its ongoing expansion in South Carolina with its next corporate location in Easley, which will open later this summer. “We are successfully expanding our unique brand throughout our 26 state territory,” Greifeld adds.
During Q1, Captain D’s also gave customers a true taste of its Nashville heritage with the system-wide launch of its Nashville Hot Fish, reflecting the seafood expertise and product innovation that have contributed to the brand’s ongoing success. The locally inspired dish features a bold, cayenne-based blend of spices shaken on D’s signature Southern-Style White Fish, served fresh on crisp bread and topped with pickle slices. The unique dish showcases that while the “Nashville Hot” trend is at the forefront of the current food scene with a handful of restaurants introducing their take on the Southern staple, Captain D’s truly has a hometown advantage with their own special twist.
Additionally, Captain D’s credits its new restaurant design with contributing to the brand’s compounding success. To date, 47 percent of all restaurants have been reimaged to the brand’s new vibrant, coastal design with another 50 locations to be remodeled by the end of this year. 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 in a welcoming atmosphere.
With 517 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. The company is currently seeking single- and multiunit operators to join in the brand’s rapid expansion.
