In a move to fully launch its global expansion plan, Captain D’s, the Nashville, Tennessee, USA-headquartered fast casual seafood restaurant chain, has named Hair Parra to the newly created position of senior vice president for international operations and development.
“After more than five decades of consistent growth and success throughout the southern United States, Captain D’s has had a banner year of domestic development into the northeast and now Canada,” said Brad Reed, the company’s chief development officer.
CEO Phil Greifeld added: “Our unique brand will quickly capitalize upon an underserved and under penetrated international expansion opportunity.”
Parra has spent over 35 years leading international operations and development for well known restaurant chains including Benihana, Papa Johns and Domino’s. Since 2021, he’s been overseeing international development for FAT Brands. Prior to that, Parra was chief operating officer of Wing Zone after spending over a decade as the company’s vice president of international development.
At Captain D’s, he will continue pursuing opportunities for franchise development in Canada, as well as working with master and multi-unit franchisees who want to bring the seafood restaurant operator to Central and Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and other countries.
“I’ve had the privilege of introducing many distinguished American restaurants to international audiences, and the one quality that stands out as a marker of success is the company’s culture. It has one of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Parra.
With more than 530 restaurants in 23 states, Captain D’s offers a variety of flexible prototypes, including 22- and 44-seat dining rooms and a nimble Express model exclusively for to-go customers. Parra believes these adaptable footprints will be key for a variety of real estate opportunities, including strip centers and non-traditional options such as airports and malls. Another key to Captain D’s international growth is the popularity of its seafood and chicken menu offerings.
“People around the globe love fish and chicken, and Captain D’s offers an extensive menu of both batter dipped and grilled fish options alongside ever-popular chicken menu,” stated the new senior vice president for international operations and development
Parra. “As we expand into new countries, we will pair the high-quality seafood and hospitality Captain D’s is built on with a creative and adaptable approach to understanding and respecting cultural variations.”
With more than 530 restaurants in 23 states, Captain D’s is ranked as the leading fast-casual seafood seafood franchise in America ranked by average unit volume. It menu features premium grilled items including shrimp, tilapia and salmon, as well as hushpuppies, other side dishes and desserts.
