US Seafood Chain Anchors Its UK Debut in Broadstairs

North America’s beloved seafood restaurant chain, Captain D’s, is set to cast its net across British waters with the launch of its first UK outlet in Broadstairs, Kent, later this month.

Opening on 20 October at the former Debenhams site within Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, the restaurant promises diners a taste of Southern hospitality through its signature dishes.

Founded in 1969 in Donelson, Tennessee, Captain D’s has grown into a dominant force in the American fast-casual dining sector, with over 530 restaurants spanning 23 states. Its arrival in the UK marks a new chapter in the brand’s global expansion, signalling growing British appetite for authentic American dining experiences.

A Southern Staple Anchors in Kent

Fran Donovan, centre director at Westwood Cross, hailed the opening as “something truly unique not just to Broadstairs, but to the country.” Donovan added that Captain D’s would bring a new dimension to the local dining landscape — a sentiment that underscores how international food brands continue to reshape British high streets.

Captain D’s UK chairman, Daryl Stutchbury, echoed this enthusiasm, describing the launch as a milestone:

“Captain D’s isn’t just another fast-food outlet – it’s a premium experience rooted in quality, community, and innovation. We’re proud to be setting the stage here in Kent and can’t wait to welcome our first guests.”

This opening will be followed by two more locations in Sussex and Hampshire, as part of a 20-unit master franchise agreement with local partner CD’s Holdings — suggesting that the brand’s ambitions go far beyond a single flagship store.

An Atlantic Wave of American Expansion

Captain D’s joins an increasing wave of North American restaurant chains making their mark in the UK. Over the past few years, Popeyes, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Carl’s Jr, and Raising Cane’s have each made their British debut, betting on the nation’s appetite for premium comfort food served at speed.

The trend reflects a broader shift in UK dining culture — one that blurs the lines between casual dining and quick service, and embraces bold, flavour-forward menus rooted in cultural identity. As British consumers continue to seek authenticity and novelty in equal measure, brands like Captain D’s are seizing the moment to anchor themselves firmly on UK soil.

A Taste of the South for a Changing Market

Beyond fried seafood, Captain D’s brings with it an ethos of community, familiarity, and Southern charm. Its arrival could reshape expectations for what “fast-casual” dining means in the UK — an experience not just of convenience, but of comfort and connection.

For Kent, and for Britain’s ever-evolving food landscape, the question now is not whether American dining can find success here — but how deeply it can integrate into local tastes and traditions.