Captain D’s, the fast-casual seafood chain known for its batter-dipped fish and Southern hospitality, has opened its first restaurant in Ocala. Positioned at the busy intersection of College Road and I-75, the new location is tailored to meet the city’s growing demand for convenient dining options and quality seafood.
Franchisees Toks Achebe and Wanda Davis, who also operate nearby restaurants, expressed confidence in Ocala as a prime market. Achebe described the area as having “all the ingredients for success,” pointing to its strong economy, diverse customer base, and appetite for seafood.
The restaurant spans 2,100 square feet and includes seating for around 30 patrons, complemented by a drive-thru for guests seeking faster service. The menu ranges from classic and spicy batter-dipped fish to Nashville hot fish, shrimp, chicken tenders, and healthier grilled options such as salmon and whitefish, all paired with Southern-style sides.
Beyond the menu, the restaurant is expected to provide between 60 and 70 jobs, underscoring Captain D’s role in boosting the local economy. The launch was celebrated with a partnership featuring local radio station 93.7 K-Country, which added live music, giveaways, and promotions to the opening festivities.
Brad Reed, Chief Development Officer of Captain D’s, highlighted Ocala’s importance to the brand’s broader Florida expansion. He praised Achebe and Davis for their dedication and noted that additional restaurants in Palatka and Gainesville are part of the franchisees’ pipeline.
With more than 530 restaurants nationwide, Captain D’s continues to position itself as a leader in fast-casual seafood. The Ocala debut blends economic development with the chain’s trademark hospitality, marking another step in its expansion strategy across the state.
