Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.-based seafood fast-casual restaurant chain Captain D’s is planning to expand globally, starting in Canada, and is adding two executives to its team.
The operator of more than 530 restaurants in 23 U.S. states said it eventually plans to expand to Central and Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia. That global expansion has already, started, with Captain D's signing its first franchise development agreement in Canada to bring five of its restaurants to the greater Toronto metropolitan area.
"Our unique brand will quickly capitalize upon an underserved and underpenetrated international expansion opportunity,” Captain D’s CEO Phil Greifeld said.
Captain D’s expanded in the U.S in 2023 following success with smaller footprints, highly efficient double drive-thrus, and a revamped menu, signing franchise agreements to develop in New York and New Jersey.
"After more than five decades of consistent growth and success throughout the Southern United States, Captain D's has had a banner year of domestic development into the Northeast and now Canada," Captain D’s Chief Development Officer Brad Reed said.
To lead the global expansion, the restaurant chain named Hair Parra to the newly created position of senior vice president of international operations and development. Parra has 35 years of experience leading international operations and development for large restaurant chains such as Papa Johns, Benihana, and Domino’s, according to Captain D’s.
Since 2021, Parra has overseen international development for FAT Brands and, prior to that, was chief operating officer of Wing Zone after spending over a decade as the company's vice president of international development.
Captain D’s also recently named Nan Ward as its new COO. Ward has worked for the restaurant chain for 12 years as a human resources manager, director of training, and chief people development officer.
Parra will continue pursuing opportunities for franchise development in Canada, as well as working with master and multi-unit franchisees who want to bring the chain to other countries.
"I've had the privilege of introducing many distinguished American restaurants to international audiences, and the one quality that stands out as a marker of success is the company's culture. Captain D's has one of the best I've ever seen," Parra said. "Truly great brands are built by people who care about the work they are doing and the people they are doing it with. Captain D's has a veteran team focused on providing franchise owners with quality food and superior operations to run their business.”
Captain D's executives believe the company will be successful internationally with its variety of flexible prototypes – including 22- and 44-seat dining rooms and an express model for to-go customers only. Parra said the adaptable footprints will be key for a variety of real estate opportunities, including strip centers and nontraditional options such as airports and malls.
Another key to Captain D's international growth is the popularity of its seafood and chicken menu offerings, according to Parra.
"People around the globe love fish and chicken, and Captain D's offers an extensive menu of both batter-dipped and grilled fish options alongside an ever-popular chicken menu," Parra said. "As we expand into new countries, we will pair the high-quality seafood and hospitality Captain D's has been built on with a creative and adaptable approach to understanding and respecting cultural variations. That's the way we'll deliver on our brand promise to new fans worldwide.”
