Captain D’s

About Captain D’s

Captain D’s began as Mr D’s Seafood and Hamburgers in Donelson, Tennessee, in 1969. Founded by Raymond L Danner Sr, the business has grown to just under 550 US restaurants and is developing internationally. The brand specialises in seafood served through quick-service restaurants, with flexible formats designed for different markets. Its first UK restaurant opened at Westwood Cross in Thanet, Kent, in October 2025, following a 20-store agreement with CD’s UK Holdings. Further locations were identified for Hampshire and Sussex, although their opening status is not confirmed. Captain D’s is seeking additional UK multi-unit operators and international master franchisees. Restaurant options include 22-seat and 44-seat layouts alongside an Express format focused on takeaway customers. The company says it aims to adapt its offer to local markets while maintaining its standards for seafood and hospitality.

Why franchise with Captain D’s

• ✓More than five decades of trading history support the brand’s established seafood proposition.
• ✓Nearly 550 US restaurants demonstrate the scale of Captain D’s existing operating network.
• ✓The first UK restaurant opened in Kent in 2025, providing a base for further expansion.
• ✓Flexible 22-seat, 44-seat and Express formats suit different customer and property needs.
• ✓A 20-store UK franchise agreement signals a commitment to developing the British market.
• ✓Master franchise and multi-unit opportunities are available to experienced growth partners.

Investment breakdown

Minimum investment	$898,600
Maximum investment	$1,354,200
Franchise fee	$35,000
Management service fee	4.5% of gross sales - US terms
Marketing contribution	1% advertising, plus 2% local marketing - US terms
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Captain D’s offers flexible restaurant prototypes, including formats with 22 or 44 seats and an Express model designed for takeaway customers. The first UK restaurant opened at Westwood Cross in Thanet, Kent, in October 2025. Further sites were identified in Hampshire and Sussex, but their opening status has not been confirmed. Specific minimum floor areas, frontage requirements, parking arrangements and UK property costs have not been supplied.

Training and support

Captain D’s says it will work alongside its international franchise partners as the brand expands, adapting its seafood offering and hospitality to local markets. The supplied information confirms that the business is seeking master franchisees and multi-unit operators, but does not detail its UK training programme, pre-opening support, launch assistance or ongoing field support. These arrangements, including training duration and responsibilities, should be confirmed with the franchisor.

Operational requirements

Captain D’s franchisees operate quick-service seafood restaurants using an approved format, including 22-seat, 44-seat or takeaway-focused Express models. UK expansion is being pursued through multi-unit franchise agreements, with the first restaurant opened in Kent in October 2025. Operators need to deliver the brand’s seafood and hospitality standards while adapting to local requirements. UK staffing levels, trading hours, supply arrangements and operating procedures have not been specified.

Experience required

Captain D’s is seeking master franchisees and multi-unit operators to develop its presence in the UK and other international markets. Its initial UK partner, CD’s UK Holdings, was described as an experienced restaurant operator. Prospective partners should be capable of overseeing restaurant development and maintaining brand standards across multiple sites. The supplied information does not set out minimum net worth, required sector experience or formal eligibility criteria for UK applicants.

Territory availability