Nashville, Tennessee-headquartered Captain D’s, a leading fast casual seafood restaurant operator in the USA, has signed its first franchise development agreement in Canada. Ontario-based entrepreneurs Ali Saeed and Mudassir Choudri plan to open five outlets in the Greater Toronto Metropolitan Area over the next several years.
The brand, which has its roots in the southeastern United States, has been expanding rapidly with multiple franchise development agreements signed last year as far west as Utah and into the northern states of New York and New Jersey.
“While continuing to answer consumer and franchise demand in new territories, we have been looking for the right opportunity to enter the Canadian market,” said Brad Reed, chief development officer of Captain D’s. “Ali and Mudassir are ideal franchise owners to help us introduce this distinct brand within the Ontario province. We look forward to expanding our footprint with them and throughout the country.”
Saeed and Choudri are both experienced businessmen who own and operate groups of Shell gasoline stations in Ontario, earning multiple top retailing awards from the company. They experienced the Captain D’s dining experience during travels in the United States and have thought for a long time that the brand would do very well in Canada.
“Mudassir and I have been building businesses in Ontario for many years and know what it takes to succeed in this market,” said Saeed. “We admire Captain D’s forward-thinking real estate strategy and seafood niche in the fast casual space. The brand’s quality food at an affordable price point will do very well throughout Toronto.”
Founded in 1969, more than 530 Captain D’s restaurants operate today in 23 states south of the Canadian border. A wide variety of seafood is on the menu, including signature batter dipped fish, clam strips and grilled shrimp, tilapia and salmon meals. Among side dishes are hushpuppies, french fries, baked potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, broccoli, fried okra and corn on the cob. Dessert items, including cheesecake and funnel cake stir, are also offered.
