Captain D’s Gets Serious About Unit Growth

Following news last month of its first-ever franchise development agreement in Canada, Captain D’s announced today it has named Hair Parra to the newly created position of senior vice president, international operations and development.

Parra most recently oversaw international development for FAT Brands. Prior to that, he was chief operating officer of Wing Zone after spending over a decade as the company’s vice president of international development. Overall, Parra has spent more than 35 years leading international operations and development; his portfolio also includes roles at Papa Johns, Benihana and Domino’s.

Captain D’s currently has more than 530 restaurants in 23 states, and has plans for rapid international expansion with a focus on Canada, Central and Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia. It also has grand plans for the U.S. marked by the signing of some of its first franchise agreements in the Northeast.

Meanwhile, the fast-casual seafood brand recently promoted Nan Ward to chief operating officer. Ward has been with Captain D’s since 2012 and most recently served as chief people development officer. In her new role, she will oversee all company operations, human resources, training and people development.