Captain D’s has opened its first UK and European flagship restaurant at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs, Kent.
The outlet introduces the chain’s fast-casual format, featuring a coastal-themed interior and a menu of offerings that include hand-battered fish, shrimp, chicken tenders, and hush puppies.
This Broadstairs location marks the start of the brand’s UK expansion, with 19 more restaurants planned, including upcoming sites in Sussex and Hampshire.
Captain D’s is a fast casual seafood restaurant chain headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with more than 530 restaurants.
Daryl Stutchbury, CEO of Captain D’s UK said: “This grand opening is a proud and emotional moment for us.
The overwhelming response from the public has exceeded all expectations. We were delighted to serve over 1,500 fish and chips meals on opening day alone.”
Despite the demands of running a rapidly expanding company, Choudhary has learned to find balance, something he didn’t always have. These days, he’s an early riser, front-loading his weekdays with office work before spending afternoons on-site visits and store builds.
Evenings are reserved for football and gym sessions, and weekends are kept for family. “Sunday lunch at my mum’s house—that’s the recharge,” he says with a smile.
Among his proudest milestones is winning an international franchise of the year award earlier in his career, besting competitors across 30 markets, but he’s just as proud of The Sushi Co’s present trajectory. He said: “It’s been incredible to watch it grow. And we’re only getting started.”
When asked what advice he’d give his younger self, Choudhary was quick to reply: “Learn to walk before you run. There are no shortcuts. Move with care, build the right team, and think everything through.”
For prospective franchisees eyeing entry into the booming sushi space, The Sushi Co is currently welcoming applications.
Choudhary says: “We’re looking for experienced QSR and business professionals ready to invest in a proven, fast-growing concept. This is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the casual dining market, and we’re here to lead it.”
As The Sushi Co expands across the UK, Choudhary is showing that scale doesn’t have to mean compromise. With handcrafted sushi at its core and a franchise model built on training, quality, and support, he’s not just growing a brand, he’s setting a new standard for what fast-casual dining can deliver.
