Captain D’s Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Captain D’s is a well-established seafood restaurant chain that began its journey as Mr. D’s Seafood and Hamburgers in Donelson, Tennessee, on August 15, 1969.
The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its commitment to providing quality seafood at reasonable prices, a concept that was innovative at the time.
In 1974, the company rebranded to Captain D’s Seafood to focus more on its core offerings of fish, shrimp, and various side dishes, which have since become customer favorites.
Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Captain D’s has grown significantly over the years. It now boasts over 500 locations across 23 states, with a mix of corporate and franchise-owned restaurants.
The franchise began expanding its reach in the early 1970s and has continued to develop new locations, adapting its restaurant prototypes to fit various site configurations, from traditional setups to end-caps and other non-traditional sites.
Captain D’s differentiates itself from the competition by focusing on freshly prepared seafood, using high-quality ingredients to ensure a premium dining experience.
Their menu features classic hand-battered fish fillets, a variety of fried and grilled seafood, chicken, and an assortment of Southern-style side dishes such as coleslaw, hush puppies, and baked potatoes.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Captain D’s franchise? It costs on average between $899,000 – $1,354,000 to start a Captain D’s franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | 44-seat Prototype Amount | 22-seat Prototype Amount | Express Prototype Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Real Estate | Variable | Variable | Variable |
| Building and Leasehold Improvements | $750,000 to $815,000 | $650,000 to $735,000 | $550,000 to $625,000 |
| Training Expenses | $25,000 to $46,000 | $25,000 to $46,000 | $25,000 to $46,000 |
| Equipment | $256,500 to $292,100 | $237,300 to $273,470 | $201,600 to $226,200 |
| Computer Systems | $31,000 to $34,100 | $28,000 to $30,800 | $25,000 to $27,500 |
| Inventory | $6,000 to $8,000 | $6,000 to $8,000 | $6,000 to $8,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Expenses | $5,000 to $9,000 | $5,000 to $9,000 | $5,000 to $9,000 |
| Insurance | $11,000 to $25,000 | $11,000 to $25,000 | $11,000 to $25,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $40,000 to $90,000 | $40,000 to $90,000 | $40,000 to $90,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $1,159,500 to $1,354,200 | $1,037,300 to $1,252,270 | $898,600 to $1,091,700 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Captain D’s franchise? A Captain D’s franchised restaurant makes on average $1,029,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,113,000 yearly revenue for similar other food & beverage franchises. Below are 10 Captain D’s competitors as a comparison:
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Captain D’s Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Captain D’s locations are there?
As of the latest data, Captain D’s operates a total of 532 locations. Of these, 309 are company-owned, and 223 are franchise-owned. This fast-casual seafood chain continues to expand, particularly through franchise development, with new locations planned in various regions.
What is the total investment required to open a Captain D’s franchise?
The total investment required to open a Captain D’s franchise ranges from $899,000 to $1,354,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Captain D’s franchise?
For a Captain D’s franchise, the ongoing royalty fee is 4.5% of gross sales. Additionally, franchisees are required to contribute 4% of their gross sales toward marketing and advertising fees. These fees are essential for maintaining the franchise’s brand and ensuring consistent promotional efforts across all locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a Captain D’s franchisee?
To become a Captain D’s franchisee, the financial requirements include a minimum net worth of $1 million and liquid capital of at least $350,000. These financial thresholds ensure that potential franchisees have the necessary resources to cover the initial investment and sustain operations through the start-up phase.
How much can a Captain D’s franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Captain D’s franchise are approximately $1.03 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.03 million yearly revenue can result in $155,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Captain D’s?
Captain D’s is owned by Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm. Sentinel acquired Captain D’s in 2017. The firm specializes in buying and managing companies in various industries, including franchising and restaurants. Under their ownership, Captain D’s has continued to expand and strengthen its presence in the fast-casual seafood segment.
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