Captain D’s debuts new compact, cost-efficient prototype option
Leading fast-casual seafood restaurant Captain D’s is adding another choice to its list of market-smart prototypes. This new 32-seat, 1,475 square foot model boasts a dining room and double drive-thru option, with a compact design that makes it the ideal choice for smaller spaces without compromising the customer experience. This new prototype will give Franchise Owners another flexible option to meet the changing demands of both customers and real estate markets.
First location set to open in 2025
Captain D’s has chosen to use its next new corporate-owned location in Atlanta (Greenbriar), Georgia, as the site of the first iteration of this prototype. “We prefer to test everything first,” says Chief Development Officer Brad Reed. By using a company-owned site for the first build, Captain D’s can more quickly identify and solve any potential issues with the new design before opening it up as an option for Franchise Owners. The new location is estimated to open by the summer of 2025.
New design creates a high-value investment option
This model’s 1,475 square foot size makes it smaller than the existing 1,600 square foot and 1,950 square foot prototype options. It maximizes space use by taking advantage of the Express kitchen design and incorporates a dining room that can seat 32 people. Although this new design is only 475 square feet smaller and seats just 12 fewer people than the largest existing prototype, the cost savings are significant. Buildout costs of this new model are over $300K less than the 44-seat option. This gives Franchise Owners a high-value investment choice and delivers on Captain D’s mission to provide flexible, innovative buildout options. “With the ever-changing world, Captain D’s has done an extraordinary job with diversifying their ways to get to the guest,” says multi-unit owner Joe Springer.
Smart options for every market
The new model is the latest addition to Captain D’s manifest of flexible prototypes, all designed to drive franchise ROI for owners while meeting their location-specific space needs:
- The 44-seat, 1,950 square foot prototype has a traditional dining room and drive-thru for larger footprints in high-demand areas.
- The 22-seat, 1,600 square foot prototype combines a dining room with a drive-thru to create an option that meets customer demand for these services in a smaller footprint.
- The double drive-thru option can be added to any prototype (space permitting) and allows the location to serve 35% more cars per day than a single lane alone, for maximum customer throughput.
Strong growth in 2024 drives 2025 expansion plans
Captain D’s is closing out the year with strong growth all around, from the successful launch of all building options (ground-up prototypes, conversions and end caps) to deals with both multi-unit and multi-concept Franchise Owners. The brand has long-term plans to go global, bringing the first of five locations to Canada in the Greater Toronto Area in 2025. Captain D’s is also exploring opportunities with master and multi-unit franchisees who are interested in bringing the brand to Central and Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, The Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia. There are currently 540+ Captain D’s locations across 23 states in the U.S.
Ready to set sail with Captain D’s?
The Captain D’s concept offers an alternative to the burger and pizza options that saturate the QSR franchise market. It has no direct competitors in the segment, making it an ideal choice for diversifying your portfolio. Potential Franchise Owners should have liquid assets of at least $350K and a minimum net worth of $1M. If you meet these qualifications and are interested in adding this leading fast-casual seafood brand to your investment mix, Captain D’s wants to hear from you. Fill out the form below to connect with a franchise team member and get started now.
