Captain D's logo
Seafood

Investment

$898,600

Initial Franchise Fee

$35,000

Units

523

Growth Rate

-1%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Food
Founded 1969
Franchising Since 1969
Parent Company Centre Partners
Leadership Phil Greifeld, CEO
# of Employees at HQ 66

Units and Growth Chart

About Captain D's

The Captain is calling: 'Whalecome' to a refreshing adventure! Captain D's is a chain of fast-food seafood that provides casual dining and high-quality food, with genuine Southern hospitality. Pier-ing into Captain D's beginnings, its humble start back in Tennessee of 1969, goes to show how it has been open for more than 45 years. If you are ready to be outstanding in a sea of ordinary, you may wish to open a Captain D's. 

Read on to see why the Captain D's franchise could be a great catch for potential franchisees.

Why You May Want to Start a Captain D's Franchise

The significant advantage of owning a Captain D's franchise is that you may have very little franchise competition. You also may be given the opportunity to stand out from other restaurants and not be in the ocean of sameness that other restaurants tend to find themselves in. In addition, the franchisor sources the seafood and negotiates the best prices for franchisees. 

Captain D's could be a game-changer and market disruptor that has continued to experience success. Many times throughout its existence, Captain D's has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. 

What Might Make a Captain D's Franchise a Good Choice?

Captain D's believes that success is sustainable. To be part of the Captain D's team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, ongoing fees will include advertising, royalty, and renewal fees. Additional expenses may include incorporation fees, business license fees, legal fees, and utility deposits.

The brand is currently in ongoing development, and it is estimated that the new restaurant prototypes can help franchisees reduce their startup costs. Even if startup costs are reduced, franchisees will still need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements. 

Potential franchisees can choose to cater to customers who opt to dine in, drive through, or carry out their fast food seafood.

How To Open a Captain D's Franchise

You can jump into this opportunity and become a Captain D's franchisee by submitting an inquiry form. Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. Speak to existing franchisees and ask questions directed to Captain D's team.

As you decide if you wish to open a Captain D's franchise, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a Captain D's franchise would do well in your community. If there are many other seafood restaurants and/or fast food places in the area, you may want to reconsider your decision. 

Make waves in your community by providing delicious seafood at an affordable price with a Captain D’s franchise! 

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Initial Investment $898,600 - $1,354,200
Net Worth Requirement $1,000,000
Cash Requirement $350,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%
Ad Royalty Fee 2%
Technology Fee 0
Term of Agreement 20 years
Is Franchise Term Renewable? Yes
Financing Third Party
Veterans Incentive 50% off first-unit franchise fee; reduced royalty fee for first year

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

United States International

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training 219 hours
Classroom Training 21 hours

Ongoing Support

Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Marketing Support

Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? No
Can this franchise be run part time? No
# of employees required to run 25
Are exclusive territories available? Yes

Ranking History

Captain D's performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022