Franchising

Captain D's expands UK presence

Photo: Captain D's

January 26, 2026

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Captain D's is doubling down on its British expansion, opening its second U.K. location in Kent following what executives describe as an "exceptional" reception from local diners.

The Nashville-based chain, which has over 530 locations across the U.S. and Canada, opened the doors of its newest restaurant at The Mall Maidstone on Dec. 22. The opening comes just two months after the brand made its international debut in Broadstairs in October 2025.

Operated by master franchisor CD's Holdings, the Maidstone site is a 48-seat counter-service restaurant located within the mall's food court. Company officials say the smaller footprint is part of a flexible development strategy aimed at fitting into non-traditional spaces like shopping centers.

"The response to Captain D's in the UK has been exceptional," Naveed Chattha, spokesperson for CD's Holdings, said in a company press release. "Opening our second location so quickly after Broadstairs demonstrates both the strength of the brand and the opportunity we see for growth across the UK."

Hair Parra, senior vice president of international operations and development, said the U.K. launch serves as a proof of concept for wider global ambitions.

"Our U.K. launch has confirmed what we've seen in other global markets — Captain D's travels extremely well," Parra said in the release.

The expansion is not slowing down. CD's Holdings confirmed plans are already underway to open a third U.K. location within the next six months. The group is scouting sites and seeking additional franchise partners to bring the brand to other parts of the U.K. and mainland Europe.