Restaurant chain eyes area for aggressive expansion

TAMPA — Captain D’s, a Nashville-based fast-casual seafood restaurant chain, has targeted Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Bradenton for franchise development.

According to a news release, the push for expansion in Florida comes on the heels of rapid growth in 2019, which saw the chain open its 30th restaurant in the Sunshine State.

Chief Development Officer Brad Reed, in the release, says Captain D’s representatives want to meet with qualified Gulf Coast franchisee candidates at the Sept. 15-16 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

“In its 50th year, Captain D’s is stronger than ever, with the record-breaking success we’ve achieved over the past several years allowing us to zero in on our key target markets, including Tampa and Central Florida,” Reed states in the release. “With seafood being such a unique proposition in fast casual and Captain D’s being the leader of the segment, there’s a tremendous business opportunity for experienced operators looking to diversify and/or be part of our ongoing growth in Florida. We’re excited to expand our presence throughout the area.”

Captain D’s, the release states, has more than 530 restaurants in 22 states and is the leading U.S. seafood franchise in terms of average unit volume.