About us

Captain D’s: The top seafood franchise legacy

For over 50 years, Captain D’s has led the way in seafood, offering guests quality meals in a warm, family-friendly setting at an unbeatable value. As a top QSR franchise, it’s more than just a brand — it’s an opportunity designed for growth and long-term success.

 1969
   Captain D’s begins as Mr. D’s Seafood and Hamburgers in Tennessee, aiming to offer quality seafood at reasonable prices. The concept catches on quickly.
 1970s
   Captain D’s starts franchising with the goal of making quality seafood more easily available and affordable.
 1980s & 1990s
   Captain D’s expands across the Southeast, evolving its image, design and franchise business as new locations open.

 2012
   Captain D’s unveils a bold new look, reinforcing our brand and mission to bring a taste of the coast to everyone at an affordable price.
 2017
   QSR Magazine names Captain D’s one of the 9 best QSR franchise opportunities.
 2018
   Captain D’s introduces a new 22-seat, smaller-footprint prototype designed to improve ROI by reducing buildout costs for Franchise Owners.

 2019
   Captain D's unveils our 50th anniversary logo and opens a record 17 locations in a single year.
 2020
   Captain D’s launches innovative flexible prototypes to meet the changing needs of both franchisees and customers — making it easier to grow with the brand.
 2025
   Captain D’s introduces a streamlined 32-seat, 1,475-square-foot model designed for efficiency and also begins international franchising to bring our seafood restaurant to new audiences worldwide.

Our Brand Promise

At Captain D’s, we take pride in serving fresh, flavorful meals that keep guests coming back. From premium seafood to crispy chicken and delicious sides, every dish is crafted for quality and craveability. As a leading restaurant franchise, we’re committed to delivering the best in fast, fresh dining at a QSR price.