Captain D’s Makes a Comeback — Expanding Again with Three New San Antonio Locations
SAN ANTONIO, TX — After navigating years of challenges in the restaurant industry, Captain D’s is charting a new course of growth with plans to open three restaurants in San Antonio by 2026. The expansion signals a major comeback for the seafood chain, which has been steadily reinventing itself for new markets.
What’s New at Captain D’s San Antonio
The first of the three locations is expected to break ground near Lackland Air Force Base, a high-traffic corridor that connects military families, commuters, and locals. Captain D’s franchisees have confirmed their commitment to serving the area with hand-battered fish, crispy shrimp, hush puppies, and Southern-inspired sides, paired with modern design updates and streamlined service formats.
The San Antonio expansion also highlights the brand’s flexible restaurant prototypes, ranging from compact drive-thru models to full-service layouts. This approach allows Captain D’s to adapt to diverse real estate options, whether in busy retail strips, suburban neighborhoods, or high-volume commuter zones.
Inside the Menu and Experience
The menu at Captain D’s continues to balance fried seafood favorites with health-conscious options. Alongside the iconic battered fish and shrimp baskets, diners can expect:
- Grilled salmon and tilapia for lighter dining
- Shrimp skewers and seasoned white fish
- Southern-style hush puppies, mac and cheese, and coleslaw
- Green beans and steamed vegetables for healthier sides
Author POV:
Having grown up with seafood chains that came and went, I’ve always thought of Captain D’s as a dependable classic. Its revival feels like the brand doubling down on comfort food that doesn’t need to chase trends — just consistent, hearty flavors that families trust. In San Antonio, I can see it quickly becoming a weeknight dinner go-to, especially near military bases where reliable, affordable meals matter.
Community Buzz and What’s Next
Captain D’s currently operates over 530 restaurants across 23 states, and its San Antonio push is part of a much larger expansion. The company has announced 20 new locations in the United Kingdom, five in Toronto, Canada, and a rollout in U.S. cities like Baltimore, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
Industry analysts note that Captain D’s now ranks as the number-two fast-casual seafood chain in the country, second only to Red Lobster in name recognition, but ahead in franchise appeal thanks to its lower entry costs and higher average unit volumes.
For San Antonio residents, this expansion is another sign of the city’s growing food scene. With limited seafood options compared to its booming Tex-Mex and barbecue markets, the arrival of Captain D’s provides something different — a comfort-driven menu designed for broad family appeal.
Will you be trying the hush puppies or going straight for the grilled tilapia when Captain D’s opens near Lackland? Share your go-to order in the comments below, and keep following CityScoopNow.com for updates on the biggest restaurant openings in Texas.