Captain D's headed to Toronto area

Nashville-based seafood chain Captain D’s is expanding north of the border.

The fast-casual restaurant has signed its first-ever franchise development agreement in Canada. Ontario-based entrepreneurs Ali Saeed and Mudassir Choudri will bring five Captain D's restaurants to the Greater Toronto Metropolitan Area over the next several years. The chain added that it has “aggressive” expansion plans for new stores in Canada.

"As Captain D's continues to answer consumer and franchise demand in new territories, we have been looking for the right opportunity to bring our high-quality seafood to the Canadian market. Ali and Mudassir are ideal franchise owners to help us introduce this distinct brand within the Ontario province," said Brad Reed, chief development officer of Captain D's. "We look forward to expanding our footprint with them and throughout the country, knowing that our flexible prototypes and expertise in converting existing properties resonate with entrepreneurs looking to add a proven quick-service concept to their portfolio."

The international expansion comes as Captain D’s continues to expand in the U.S., with multiple franchise development agreements being signed throughout 2023 for new stores in New Jersey, New York and Georgia.

"Mudassir and I have been building businesses in Ontario for many years and know what it takes to succeed in this market," said Ali 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.”

Captain D's operates more than 530 restaurants in 23 states. The chain serves a wide variety of seafood including the company's signature batter-dipped fish, grilled items such as shrimp, Tilapia and Salmon, as well as hushpuppies, desserts and more.