Captain D's Seafood Inducts Franchisee to "Hall of Fame"

Captain D's Seafood announced that it has inducted Tennessee-based franchisee Jim Pepper into the company's "Hall of Fame." The honor was announced by President and COO Ron Walker at the fast-casual chain's annual franchisee banquet, held recently at Twelve Stones Crossing in Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Captain D's Hall of Fame award recognizes longstanding franchisees who have demonstrated brand loyalty and support, consistent sales increases, high marks on "mystery shopper" reports and a commitment to growing the Captain D's brand.

Mr. Pepper, the fifth inductee into the Nashville, Tenn., company's Hall of Fame, was one of Captain D's first franchisees. He opened his first Restaurant in Bristol, Tenn., in 1975 and has since opened additional locations in Johnson City and Kingsport, Tenn., and Norton, Va. He also has plans to build additional units in the future.

With a renewed focus on the company's Franchising program and its aggressive expansion plans, Captain D's Hall of Fame has taken on a new significance, says Walker.

"We recognize that our customers and our system benefit from the strong leadership and capable restaurant management that our franchisees consistently provide, and Captain D's Hall of Fame acknowledges their contributions to the company," he says. "Jim has consistently operated his locations with strong results, an exemplary dedication to his customers and an outstanding devotion to building the Captain D's brand, and we are proud to honor his achievements and longevity with the company."

Walker notes that Pepper's passion for innovation and growth has helped fuel his success as a Captain D's franchisee. When the company introduced its "wharf-side" restaurant design, for example, Pepper was among the first franchisees to adopt the new decor. Since rebuilding his Kingsport and Bristol units, sales at the locations are averaging nearly $24,000 per week, an increase of approximately 20 to 25 percent.

Before becoming a franchisee of the company, Pepper worked under Captain D's founder Ray Danner, who also co-founded the Shoney's restaurant chain, as a manager, area director, division director and vice president.

Captain D's "Hall of Fame" adds one new member annually. Each inductee is honored with a banquet and presented with an engraved marble award. Honorees' photographs are also displayed on Shoney's "Corporate Wall of Fame," and their names are added to a perpetual plaque that lists every winner since the award's inception in 1995.

About Captain D's

Captain D's Seafood is a pioneer and leader in the fast-casual dining category. The company offers its customers great seafood at reasonable prices in a relaxed environment that embodies the fun and romance of dock-side seafood shacks.

Each Captain D's restaurant serves a Southern-style menu centered around the company's signature fried fish, which is hand cut, hand battered and made to order to ensure freshness. The restaurants also offer premium-quality baked and broiled fish, as well as shrimp, chicken and home-style side dishes. A succession of exciting new menu items, including "Coastal Classics" like broiled salmon, shrimp scampi and fried catfish, help the brand maintain its popularity and earn greater consumer acceptance.

Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Captain D's owns, operates and Franchises more than 560 restaurants in 23 states. The chain's first restaurant, known then as Mr. D's, opened in Donelson, Tenn., in 1969. The company changed its name to Captain D's in 1974 and became Captain D's, Inc. in 2000.