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    Captain D's
    Fast casual restaurant

    Captain D's

    United States flagUnited States

    "Fresh, whole-fillet seafood."

    Founded August 15, 1969 Nashville, Tennessee
    Community

    About

    Raymond L. Danner Sr. opened the first location in Donelson, Tennessee, on August 15, 1969, under the name Mr. D's Seafood and Hamburgers. The business shifted its identity to Captain D's four years later in 1973, adopting a nautical theme and a captain mascot to highlight fresh, whole-fillet seafood instead of processed fish sticks or patties.

    The chain now operates more than 500 locations across the United States and Canada from its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. Its menu centers on catfish, shrimp, clam strips, and pollock, often marketed through value campaigns like $5.99 Full Meal Deals. Recent strategic moves include a new store design rollout in San Antonio and expanded presence in Texas during 2026.

    Leadership includes Chief Marketing Officer Jonathan Muhtar, who oversees partnerships with PepsiCo and sustainability initiatives such as sourcing Alaskan pollock for signature items. Despite growth, the brand faced regulatory scrutiny in August 2026 when a Tennessee franchisee received a $62,000 fine for child labor violations involving teenage workers operating fryers.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Wild Caught Batter-Dipped Fish BasketShrimp ComboClam StripsCatfishAlaskan Pollock

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns Captain D's?
    Captain D's is owned by Captain D's, LLC, a privately held company founded by Raymond L. Danner Sr. in 1969. While the corporate entity oversees the brand, the majority of its 500+ locations operate under independent franchise agreements.
    Is Captain D's still in business?
    Yes, Captain D's is actively operating with over 500 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The brand recently announced new store designs and expansions in Texas and San Antonio as of 2026.
    What is the best-selling item at Captain D's?
    The brand's most popular items typically include the Wild Caught Batter-Dipped Fish Basket and the Shrimp Combo, which feature sustainably sourced Alaskan pollock and shrimp prepared as whole fillets or strips.
    Where is Captain D's headquarters located?
    The global headquarters of Captain D's is located in Nashville, Tennessee. This location serves as the central hub for corporate operations, marketing, and franchise support.
    Has Captain D's had any recent legal issues?
    Yes, in August 2026, a Tennessee franchisee was fined $62,000 by the U.S. Labor Department for child labor violations involving minors operating kitchen equipment, an issue the company addressed as an isolated incident.

    Keywords

    Captain D'sseafood chainfast casual diningcatfishshrimpAlaskan pollockRaymond DannerfranchiseTennessee restaurants

    Sources

    WikipediaCaptain D's MenuTennessean Child Labor ReportFranchising CMO RoundtableSeafood Source Sustainability

    Company Info

    Founded
    August 15, 1969
    Founder
    Raymond L. Danner Sr.
    Headquarters
    Nashville, Tennessee
    Industry
    Fast casual restaurant
    Parent Company
    Captain D's, LLC
    Original Name
    Mr. D's Seafood and Hamburgers
    Rebrand Year
    1973
    Number of Locations
    Over 500
    Headquarters City
    Nashville
    Current CMO
    Jonathan Muhtar
    Recent Fine Amount
    $62,000
    Fine Reason
    Child labor violations
    Primary Protein Source
    Alaskan pollock

    Official Website

    www.captainds.com/

    Links

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