Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.-based fast casual seafood chain Captain D’s has opened a new location in Broadstairs, U.K., marking the start of the company’s European expansion efforts.
“The U.K. is the doorway to Europe. It is one of the countries where if you are successful there, other countries will follow. If it makes it in the U.K., it will make it in Europe,” Captain D’s Senior Vice President of International Operations and Development Hair Parra told SeafoodSource.
Captain D’s chose the U.K. in particular to begin its European expansion plans because of the popularity of fish and chips in the nation, making it a “great fit for our products,” Parra said.
In addition to fish and chips, the U.K. version of Captain D’s features menu items not included on U.S. menus, such as mushy peas and cheesy fries. It also partners with Ashford, U.K.-based Brakes, a Sysco company, for its seafood items.
"This grand opening is a proud and emotional moment for us," Captain D’s UK CEO Daryl Stutchbury said in a release. "The overwhelming response from the public has exceeded all expectations. We were delighted to serve over 1,500 fish and chip meals on opening day alone."
The Broadstairs restaurant is the first of 20 planned U.K. locations, with future sites in Sussex and Hampshire already in development.
In addition to the U.K., Parra said the restaurant chain, which operates more than 530 restaurants in three countries, is actively looking to develop restaurants in France, Spain, Scotland, and Portugal.
The restaurant company has also said it eventually plans to expand to Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Global expansion has long been a priority for Captain D’s, “as we know our world-famous battered dipped fish, hand-breaded chicken tenders, Nashville hot fish, breaded butterfly shrimp, and our signature hush puppies appeal to a broad palate outside the U.S.,” Parra said.
“Our focus on highlighting quality, freshness, and sustainable seafood also resonates with a global audience,” he further explained.
The U.K. opening comes after Captain D’s opened its first international restaurant in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, earlier this year.
