- 2024 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#309 Ranked #434 last year
- Initial investment
-
$899K - $1.4M
- Units as of 2023
-
533 0.8% over 3 years
The Captain is calling: 'Whalecome' to a refreshing adventure! Captain D's is a chain of fast-food seafood that provides casual dining and high-quality food, with genuine Southern hospitality. Pier-ing into Captain D's beginnings, its humble start back in Tennessee of 1969, goes to show how it has been open for more than 45 years. If you are ready to be outstanding in a sea of ordinary, you may wish to open a Captain D's.
Read on to see why the Captain D's franchise could be a great catch for potential franchisees.
Why You May Want to Start a Captain D's Franchise
The significant advantage of owning a Captain D's franchise is that you may have very little franchise competition. You also may be given the opportunity to stand out from other restaurants and not be in the ocean of sameness that other restaurants tend to find themselves in. In addition, the franchisor sources the seafood and negotiates the best prices for franchisees.
Captain D's could be a game-changer and market disruptor that has continued to experience success. Many times throughout its existence, Captain D's has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.
What Might Make a Captain D's Franchise a Good Choice?
Captain D's believes that success is sustainable. To be part of the Captain D's team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, ongoing fees will include advertising, royalty, and renewal fees. Additional expenses may include incorporation fees, business license fees, legal fees, and utility deposits.
The brand is currently in ongoing development, and it is estimated that the new restaurant prototypes can help franchisees reduce their startup costs. Even if startup costs are reduced, franchisees will still need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.
Potential franchisees can choose to cater to customers who opt to dine in, drive through, or carry out their fast food seafood.
How To Open a Captain D's Franchise
You can jump into this opportunity and become a Captain D's franchisee by submitting an inquiry form. Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. Speak to existing franchisees and ask questions directed to Captain D's team.
As you decide if you wish to open a Captain D's franchise, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a Captain D's franchise would do well in your community. If there are many other seafood restaurants and/or fast food places in the area, you may want to reconsider your decision.
Make waves in your community by providing delicious seafood at an affordable price with a Captain D’s franchise!
Company Overview
About Captain D's
Business Overview
| Franchising Since | 1969 (55 years) |
|---|---|
| # of employees at HQ | 96 |
| Where seeking |
This company is offering new franchises throughout the US. |
| # of Units | 533 (as of 2023) |
|
|
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Information for Franchisees
Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Captain D's franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
|
Initial Franchise Fee
|
$35,000 |
|---|---|
|
Initial Investment
|
$898,600 - $1,354,200 |
|
Net Worth Requirement
|
$1,000,000 |
|
Cash Requirement
|
$350,000 |
|
Veteran Incentives
|
50% off first-unit franchise fee; reduced royalty fee for first year |
|
Royalty Fee
|
4.5% |
|
Ad Royalty Fee
|
1.1% |
|
Term of Agreement
|
20 years |
| Is franchise term renewable? | Yes |
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
| Third Party Financing | Captain D's has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll |
|---|
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
| On-The-Job Training | 219 hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom Training | 21 hours |
| Ongoing Support |
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
|
| Marketing Support |
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App
|
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
| Is absentee ownership allowed? | No |
|---|---|
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Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
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No |
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Can this franchise be run part time?
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No |
| # of employees required to run | 25 |
|
Are exclusive territories available?
|
Yes |
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Captain D's landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Captain D's ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
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