Fast-casual seafood chain Captain D’s reflected on 2015 as its most successful year yet, pontificated by an all-time system-wide AUV record.
Alongside an increase in AUV record for the third consecutive year, the foodservice establishment also saw a 4.3 percent system-wide same-store sales increase for the entire fiscal year. Furthermore, by the end of 2015, Captain D’s was able to sign seven new franchise development agreements that will bring store locations to South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, Kentucky, Mississippi, Wisconsin and Michigan moving forward. Captain D’s intends to open more than a dozen locations throughout the year – to date, the restaurant chain currently operates 514 restaurants in 26 states.
"2015 was another record setting year for Captain D's, and we're continuing to build upon this momentum as we kick off a new year," said Phil Greifeld, chief executive officer and president of Captain D's. "Our team is truly best in class, with each and every individual having a hand in making our guests' experience the best it can be. As 2016 gets underway, I look forward to expanding Captain D's presence as we continue to make an undeniable impact in the marketplace."
The foodservice firm joined forces with V&J Holding Cos. Inc.’s franchise developer Valerie Daniels-Carter, the country's largest female African-American foodservice franchisee, who has spent over three decades boosting various brands such as Burger King, Pizza Hut, Haagen-Dazs, Auntie Anne’s and Coffee Beanery stores; she will be integral in the development of six Captain D’s locations in Milwaukee and Detroit later in 2016.
The company attributes a part of its success in 2015 to its seafood expertise and product innovation – new menu items were added over the course of last year including Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Homestyle Fish Tenders and Creamy Shrimp Scampi. Restaurant re-design was also a theme for the chain in 2015 —as of now, 39 percent of all restaurants have been reimaged to the new vibrant coastal atmosphere, with another 80 locations to be remodeled by the end of this year, shared Captain D’s.
