Major seafood restaurant chain Captain D’s is adding several new locations this year, as are several other seafood-focused restaurants chains. In addition, Chipotle Mexican Grill announced a new concept that includes seafood dishes.
Nashville, Tennessee-based Captain D’s, which operates more than 540 restaurants, said it will open seven restaurants in early 2023. The company’s growth is being propelled by new smaller footprints, highly efficient double drive-thrus, and other factors, according to Captain D’s.
"Captain D's spent the last several years developing restaurant footprints that are well-suited to the increasingly competitive real estate market, and we now have an effective mix of small, medium and no dining room options to provide our franchisees with flexibility and substantial cost savings," Captain D's Chief Development Officer Brad Reed said. "Our brand's forward-thinking real estate strategy, paired with our seafood niche in the fast casual space, has positioned Captain D's for accelerated development in 2023."
Captain D’s declined to provide more information on its sales and total restaurant openings and closings planned for 2023.
So far, new Captain D’s restaurants under construction include new and existing markets in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. Future locations will feature Captain D's popular Express, 22- and 44-seat designs and a double drive-thru, “which boasts shortened wait times and increased efficiency,” the company said.
“Captain D's is also continuing to successfully convert vacant restaurant properties, with four completed last year and three cost-effective conversions currently underway in Georgia markets,” the company said.
Openings in the last few months of 2022 included new restaurants in Gulfport, Mississippi; Fort Worth, Texas; Humble, Texas; and Columbus, Ohio; which marked a second Express opening for the brand.
Express is Captain D's 960-square foot prototype that features a drive-thru and walk-up window but no dining room. It debuted earlier last year in the Atlanta, Georgia market with a streamlined selection of core menu items and a kitchen design that assists with quicker cook times and a faster drive-thru.
Meanwhile, poke chains continue their growth streak. Hawaiian poke bowl chain Koibito Poke said it is adding seven locations in four markets by the summer of 2023, bringing its total restaurants to 13.
The Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A-based company will add two locations to its largest market in Arizona, as well as new locations in St. Louis, Missouri; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the restaurant's traditional franchise model, Koibito Poke will also be opening a cloud kitchen concept to operate as a delivery and takeout location only.
"After several years of working to perfect our menu and concept, we are excited to look forward to explosive growth throughout the country," Koibito Poke Co-Founder and CEO and former Major League Baseball player Todd Stottlemyre said. "We are receiving a lot of interest from prospective franchisees who are looking to participate in our success as we expand across the country throughout 2023.”
Diamond Bar, California, U.S.A.-based Ahipoki is also expanding. It opened its 23rd location in Huntington Beach, California, and plans to open two additional California locations later this year, per Restaurant News. The company will announce future locations in Arizona at a later date.
The company’s signature poke bowls include Tuna Luau, Blazing Salmon, Kimchi Shrimp, Grilled Sriracha Shrimp, and Teriyaki Salmon.
Also latching on to the poke trend is former Jimmy John’s CEO Gregg Majewski, who created Chicago, Illinois-based Craveworthy Brands. The new franchising-focused company operates four restaurant brands: Lucky Cat Poke Company, Wing It On, The Budlong, and Krafted Burger Bar + Tap.
Elsewhere in the restaurant space, Chipotle Mexican Grill unveiled a new concept, Farmesa, featuring “delicious proteins, greens, grains and vegetables that are inspired by Chipotle's Food with Integrity standards."
The first Farmesa location is opening in Santa Monica, California, U.S.A. The new concept will serve a variety of bowls that include a protein, green or grain, two sides, a choice of five sauces, and a topping option. The Santa Monica location is starting out with a limited menu, the full menu will include dishes such as Classic Santa Maria-Style Grilled Tri-Tip Steak and Everything Spice-Crusted Ora King Salmon.
Chef and restaurateur Rick Bayless also opened a second New York Tortazo location in New York City, New York, per Restaurant Business. The Mexico City, Mexico-inspired eatery includes small bites such as Smoked Salmon Ceviche Tostadas. The first Torrtazo opened in 2020 in Chicago.
Photo courtesy of Captain D’s
