A continuous flow of fried chicken restaurants has recently opened locations in the UK – from
Dave’s Hot Chicken
to
MB Chicken
and
BonBird.
But
fast food
Fans are now getting a change of pace, as Captain D’s, a restaurant group known as the ‘
McDonald’s
“Of the Sea,” has announced that its first ever UK location will open in Broadstairs, Kent.
A newly opened eatery will be situated at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre and is expected to open within the next few months.
It had initially been scheduled to launch in August, but an official start time has not been announced so far.
Captain D’s was established in 1969 in
Nashville
Tennessee-based and has since opened over 530 restaurants throughout the country.
US
.
It specialises in
seafood
featuring items ranging from catfish to butterfly shrimp on the menu, along with traditional favorites such as breaded dishes
fish and chips.
The offerings at Captain D’s include
fish sandwiches
along with side dishes like corn on the cob, baked potatoes, green beans, and fried okra. Fans also appear to have a special fondness for the hush puppies—deep-fried spheres made from cornmeal dough, enjoyed hot and crunchy.
And if this appeals to you, but you don’t reside close to Broadstairs, don’t worry, as additional restaurants are set to open soon.
Captain D’s has entered into a 20-store contract with CD’s Holdings for operations in the UK, with additional locations set to open in Sussex and Hampshire during the remainder of the year.
Referring to the launch, Naveed Chattha, the operations director at CD’s Holdings, stated: ‘We’ve been seeking the perfect brand to bring to the UK market, one that is both thrilling and beneficial.’
‘A significant fish and chips industry exists in the UK, yet none have previously implemented structure, guidelines, and excellence at this scale. Based on our expertise, we believe Captain D’s is the appropriate option.’
We’re certain about the individuals involved in the
Top 50 finest fish and chips takeaway spots in the UK
might have some comments on that remark. Regardless, let’s move forward…
What are patrons’ actual opinions about the cuisine at Captain D’s?
Similar to many quick-service restaurants, Captain D’s has garnered varied feedback online, particularly on platforms like Reddit and TripAdvisor. While some describe it as “average” and “underwhelming,” others express strong affection for it, calling it their “favorite.”
One of the more intriguing remarks originates from a Tripadvisor user simply identified as Florida_sugar_Daddy, who referred to Captain D’s as the ‘McDonald’s of the ocean’.
They stated: “This is the equivalent of McDonald’s for seafood, and they perform exceptionally well. The Sebring location is tidy and properly kept, featuring a welcoming and supportive team that delivers your meal promptly, along with reasonable pricing.”
Page 057 expressed the same sentiment, stating: ‘We always enjoy stopping by Captain D’s. The food is consistently delicious, the service is excellent, and the pricing is reasonable.’
And PJSteeby remarked: “Fast food has never been this delicious and delivered this fast with a friendly grin! We come in every week and are always pleased!”
Some people said it was the ‘top fast food seafood’ they have ever tried, surpassing another American chain called Long John Silver’s.
Nevertheless, not all individuals shared a positive view of Captain D’s, with Barbara K describing it as “yet another typical fast-food restaurant.” She commented: “The meals were made swiftly, yet they aren’t particularly flavorful and tend to be very oily.”
Although 910peggy agreed, she said, “This was typical. Delicious quick meal but not anything out of the ordinary.”
A user named cttagent commented: “Fish seemed like a good option for lunch, so we decided to stop here. The catfish dish had three tiny filet portions, which were clearly not worth the cost. The battered fish was just okay in terms of flavor. The broccoli was completely unappetizing—overdone, chewy, and charred.”
Meanwhile, in another fast-food update,
McDonald’s has removed several traditional menu options lately.
featuring items from its selection such as the Bacon Mayo Chicken and Bacon Double Cheeseburger.
And a Australian restaurant chain called Zambrero, which serves Mexican cuisine, has
It has been confirmed that it will also be coming to the UK,
aiming to establish 100 locations by 2030.
The piece appeared initially on March 19, 2025.
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