US-based fast casual seafood restaurant chain Captain D’s is expanding its reach in the country with a new 26-store franchise development agreement.
The agreement was signed with multi-brand franchisees Keith Johnson and Kevin Davis of Amazing Seafood.
The expansion will see the brand grow in key markets of St Louis, Indianapolis and North Carolina.
Johnson said: “Captain D’s has been a leader in the fast-casual seafood space for over fifty years.
“Throughout our meetings with Captain D’s leadership team, it was evident that not only does the brand have a well-established and rich history, but it also has a strong culture that we felt would complement our organisation’s growth.
“We are confident that our franchise development experience, coupled with Captain D’s industry leadership, will continue to build on the brand’s reputation of providing exceptional service and high-quality seafood to customers nationwide.”
Keith Johnson and Kevin Davis have more than four decades of restaurant experience and have opened more than 200 fast-food outlets, including brands such as Dunkin, Papa Johns, Popeyes, Subway and Qdoba.
The business partners also manage 15 Captain D’s locations in the St Louis area and Illinois.
Captain D’s currently operates more than 530 restaurants across 23 states, and is actively seeking single and multi-unit operators to join its network.
Captain D’s chief development officer Brad Reed said: “We are pleased to welcome Keith and Kevin to the Captain D’s team. They have a proven history of success across their prior endeavours and are sure to be an asset to our brand as we grow throughout new and existing markets.
“Our partnership with the duo marks a tremendous milestone for the brand as our largest development agreement to date.
“From day one, it was clear Keith and Kevin have a real passion for the brand and we are confident Captain D’s flexible prototypes and quality seafood offerings will be a wonderful addition to their portfolios.”
In January 2024, Captain D’s announced its first franchise development agreement in Canada.
The deal will see the launch of five new Captain D’s locations in the Greater Toronto Metropolitan Area.
