NASHVILLE — Captain D’s, the fast-casual seafood restaurant, has signed its first franchise-development agreement in Canada. Ontario-based entrepreneurs Ali Saeed and Mudassir Choudri will bring five Captain D’s restaurants to the Greater Toronto Metropolitan Area over the next several years.
Saeed and Choudri are both experienced businessmen who own and operate groups of Shell gas stations in Ontario, earning multiple top retailing awards from the company.
“Mudassir and I have been building businesses in Ontario for many years and know what it takes to succeed in this market,” says Saeed. “We admire Captain D’s forward-thinking real-estate strategy and seafood niche in the fast-casual space. The brand’s quality food at an affordable price point will do very well throughout Toronto.”
“As Captain D’s continues to answer consumer and franchise demand in new territories, we’ve been looking for the right opportunity to bring our high-quality seafood to the Canadian market. Ali and Mudassir are ideal franchise owners to help us introduce this distinct brand within the Ontario province,” says Brad Reed, Chief Development Officer of Captain D’s. “We look forward to expanding our footprint with them and throughout the country, knowing that our flexible prototypes and expertise in converting existing properties resonate with entrepreneurs looking to add a proven quick-service concept to their portfolio.”
The brand, which has its roots in the Southeastern U.S., has been expanding rapidly with multiple franchise development agreements throughout 2023 and aggressive plans for growth throughout Canada.
