Captain D’s reignites corporate-store growth

In some cases, franchisees have been able to update their interiors and exteriors with minimal disruption to business. Captain D’s franchisee Roy Williams remodeled his Greenville, Mississippi, location in five days, with all the work getting done at night after closing, completely renovating a 37-year-old restaurant building.As a result, the seafood restaurant chain has attracted several high-profile franchisees that have signed agreements to open Captain D’s restaurants. In September, Tony Lutfi, one of the nation’s most prominent multi-unit franchisees, signed a five-restaurant deal with Captain D’s. Lutfi, whose portfolio includes several Jack in the Box, Sizzler, Little Caesars, Arby’s and Church’s Chicken locations, indicated that the company’s upward trajectory, evident in large part in the reimaging program, convinced him to buy into the brand.Captain D’s is actively seeking both single and multi-unit franchisees across several states including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, and the Carolinas, among other states.“Captain D’s has developed a tremendous amount of momentum, and our new and existing franchisees are adding to their portfolios,” said Phil Greifeld, president and CEO of the fast-casual chain. “The corporate-growth initiative is a sign of Captain D’s strength and strong unit economics.”In addition to the new ambiance, Captain D’s restaurants highlight D’s new Fired Grilled menu, which includes Shrimp Skewers, Wild Alaskan Salmon, Seasoned Tilapia, and a Surf and Turf offering of shrimp and beef skewers. “Our successes have been a result of a systematic strategy,” Greifeld added. “The restaurant redesign and menu innovation have resulted in increased customer counts and higher guest checks. It truly is an exciting time for Captain D’s.” Nashville, Tennessee-based Captain D’s has 520 locations in 25 states.