brand Logo

Captain D's

Information based on 2024 FDD
Save
carousel-image-0
Franzy Fit Score

Take our Fit Score survey to see if Captain D's is a good match for you.

Franzy fit lock icon Logo
Not sure where to start? Talk to an expert
Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1969
  • Franchising Since 1969
  • 228 US Franchises
  • $1,159,500 - $1,354,200 Investment Range
  • $1,125,092 Average Gross Revenue
  • 4.5% Royalty Fee
  • $35,000 Franchise Fee
Pre-qualification Amount

Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Captain D's franchise.

Get pre-qualified for financing
Franzy Fit Score

Take our Fit Score survey to see if Captain D's is a good match for you.

Franzy fit lock icon Logo
Not sure where to start? Talk to an expert
Brand Description

Captain D's has been serving up high-quality seafood in a fast-casual setting since 1969, establishing itself as a beloved name in the restaurant industry. With their signature hand-breaded fish and made-from-scratch sides, Captain D's brings the taste of the coast to communities across America.

What sets Captain D's apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and freshness. Their Famous Batter Dipped Fish is hand-dipped daily in a proprietary batter that creates the perfect crispy, golden-brown coating. Beyond their classic fish offerings, the menu features a diverse selection of seafood options, including grilled choices for health-conscious customers, wild-caught salmon, and their popular lobster rolls.

The restaurant's dedication to customer satisfaction extends beyond the kitchen. Captain D's locations are known for their clean, welcoming atmospheres and exceptional customer service. Many locations feature comfortable dining rooms with a maritime theme, making it an ideal spot for both quick meals and relaxed family dinners.

Each restaurant prepares its sides fresh daily, from their famous hush puppies to their creamy coleslaw. The combination of quality ingredients, careful preparation, and generous portions has helped Captain D's build a loyal customer base that spans generations.

Whether you're craving their traditional batter-dipped fish, seeking healthier grilled options, or looking to satisfy your seafood cravings without breaking the bank, Captain D's delivers consistent quality and value that keeps customers coming back. Their success in maintaining long-term customer relationships and steady growth demonstrates the enduring appeal of their business model and brand.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Captain D's?

$1,159,500
$1,354,200
If you're ready to dive into the seafood franchise waters with Captain D's famous fish and chips concept, you'll need a total investment between $1,159,500 and $1,354,200 to cover everything from the $35,000 franchise fee to equipment, build-out costs, and working capital needed to launch your own Captain D's restaurant.
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Investment Range
$1,159,500 - $1,354,200
Investment Midpoint
$1,256,850
Minimum Cash Required
$1,159,500
Royalty Fees
4.5%
Brand Fund
1%
Brand Bragging Rights
55+ years of seafood restaurant expertise since 1969
540 locations nationwide demonstrating proven scalability
Specialized seafood menu differentiation in fast food sector
Competitive revenue performance within fast food industry
Established fast food brand with mature operational systems
Proven multi-unit development opportunities for qualified operators
Financial Analysis
Captain D's requires an investment of $1,159,500 to $1,354,200, positioning it in the mid-tier range within the fast food sector. This investment level sits above the sub-sector average minimum of $713,504 but below the maximum threshold of $1,813,121, reflecting the brand's established market position and operational infrastructure requirements. The franchise generates gross revenue of $1,125,092, which is competitive within the seafood restaurant niche and closely aligns with the fast food sub-sector average of $1,149,168. Captain D's 55-year operational history since 1969 and 540-unit system demonstrate substantial franchise maturity and proven scalability. This extensive footprint indicates strong franchisor experience and established operational systems, providing franchisees with comprehensive support infrastructure. The brand's specialization in seafood differentiates it within the crowded fast-food landscape, though requires operators comfortable with specialized supply chains and food safety protocols. Ideal investors should possess liquid capital exceeding $400,000 and restaurant industry experience, given the operational complexity of seafood preparation and quality control requirements. Multi-unit development opportunities exist for qualified operators seeking to leverage the brand's established systems across multiple markets.
Expected Investment Range
Understand What It Takes to Get Started!

Discover the financial commitment required to launch this franchise. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Bar chart display investment range

Answer a few quick questions - just 15 seconds - to reveal this detail and take the first step toward your dream business!

Average Gross Sales
See the Revenue Potential!

Curious about how much you could earn? The average gross sales data gives you a realistic view of the franchise's earning potential and success stories from existing franchisees.

Bar chart display gross sales

Provide a little information about yourself (it only takes 15 seconds) to access this valuable insight and start planning your future success!

Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Captain D's. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
FranFund Logo

FranFund

Financing Partner

Learn More
CRF USA Logo

CRF USA

Financing Partner

Learn More
First Bank of the Lake Logo

First Bank of the Lake

Financing Partner

Learn More
Golden Capital Solutions Logo

Golden Capital Solutions

Financing Partner

Learn More
Location Analysis
Captain D's demonstrates strong regional presence across multiple states, with significant franchise representation concentrated primarily in the Southeast. The franchise shows particular strength throughout Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, forming a robust core market triangle. This geographic clustering suggests effective supply chain optimization and strong brand recognition in these regions.

The franchise's impressive 4.75 average rating across numerous customer reviews indicates exceptional operational consistency and customer satisfaction, particularly in core markets. This high rating suggests successful adaptation to regional tastes and preferences, especially in southeastern states where seafood consumption patterns align well with the menu offering.

Ideal locations for Captain D's typically feature high-visibility sites in suburban areas with strong daytime population, proximity to retail corridors, and demographics aligned with value-conscious families. The franchise shows particular success in mid-sized markets where competition from other seafood-focused quick-service restaurants is limited.

Significant expansion opportunities exist in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, where the brand has proven successful but remains underrepresented. Markets with similar demographics to existing successful locations in Georgia and Tennessee should be prioritized for expansion, particularly in states adjacent to current strong markets.
Total US Locations540
Open Franchises228
Corporate Locations312
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.

Man looking at a map

Complete a short questionnaire in just a minute to uncover this map and identify the perfect territory for your business!

Franchise Net Unit Growth
Track Growth to Gauge Success!

See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.

Line graph showing franchise net unit growth

Answer a few brief questions to access this growth data and make an informed decision about your future! It only takes 15 seconds and is completely free.

Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Captain D's. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Captain D's's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Captain D's. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Captain D's's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Captain D's's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Franchises for you
Personalize Results

Spotlight Brand

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Frios Gourmet Pops

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$59,548
Founded2016
Franchise Units115+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Break Coffee

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$151,804
Min Investment$102,525
Founded2023
Franchise Units8+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Alsies

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$128,550
Founded2023
Franchise Units38+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

3Natives Acai Cafe

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$1,036,213
Min Investment$310,500
Founded2015
Franchise Units42+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$907,879
Min Investment$385,950
Founded2016
Franchise Units20+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Early Bird

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$1,884,808
Min Investment$397,500
Founded2017
Franchise Units3+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Jefferson's Franchise Systems

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$227,150
Founded1991
Franchise Units35+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Main Squeeze Juice Co

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$371,108
Min Investment$427,050
Founded2017
Franchise Units26+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Sourdough & Co.

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$719,490
Min Investment$286,000
Founded2015
Franchise Units80+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Goodness Bowls

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$1,417,859
Min Investment$334,405
Founded2019
Franchise Units1+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Cocky Rooster

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$1,560,490
Min Investment$455,250
Founded2020
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Jeff's Bagel Run

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$497,558
Founded2019
Franchise Units24+