Captain D’s

Captain D's is a prominent American fast-casual seafood restaurant chain based in Nashville, Tennessee. Since its founding on August 15, 1969, by Raymond L. Danner Sr. in Donelson, Tennessee, the brand has grown significantly from its original name, Mr. D’s Seafood and Hamburgers, to become a national presence. As of November 2025, Captain D's operates over 530 restaurants across 23 states, offering a menu that features signature batter-dipped fish, grilled seafood, and Southern-inspired sides.

In recent years, Captain D's has demonstrated a robust expansion strategy, opening new locations in Texas and Maryland and marking its first international venture with a UK location in October 2025. This expansion is supported by a 26-store franchise development deal signed in May 2024, highlighting the company's focus on growth in the Southeast, Texas, and new international territories.

The chain's growth is characterized by its adaptability to consumer preferences, emphasizing both franchised and corporate-owned units and utilizing drive-thru and end-cap formats. Captain D's is owned by Centre Partners, a private equity firm, reflecting a history of strategic ownership transitions that have supported its expansion.

For commercial real estate professionals, Captain D's offers a reliable and scalable tenant option, known for its ability to thrive in both suburban and urban areas. The brand's ongoing expansion and flexible store formats make it a competitive player in the quick-service restaurant sector, presenting continuous opportunities for site selection and market entry.