Record-setting crowds greet new seafood restaurant

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Hungry seafood diners swamped Hartselle's new Captain D's Restaurant in record-breaking numbers during its first week of operation and overwhelmed a training staff and the regular staff as they worked at a frantic pace to fill orders, according to Sandy Smith, vice president of marketing.
The parking lot was filled, a dozen cars were backed up at the drive-through and customers were waiting outside to get in when the new business held its ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. June 28.
"We're grateful for the wonderful support we've received from the Hartselle community," said Sandy Smith, vice president of marketing. "Sales are running at record-breaking levels; we're operating at full capacity."
Smith said Hartselle's Captain D's represents the latest in design and menu among the company's more than 600 restaurants in 26 states.
"You have the third one of its design to be opened this year," she pointed out.
Upgraded salads and sandwiches and grilled entrees, as well as a choice of sauces, are reflected on the restaurant's new menu. The choice of sides was also upgrades to include steamed broccoli and sliced tomatoes.
"We worked on the menu for two years keeping in mind the changing needs of our guests, Smith said. "It is our desire to be the destination restaurant in cities like Hartselle. We still have our classic seafood entrees and you may grab a meal at our drive-through and eat on the run, or you may choose to eat in and enjoy the comfort and convenience of our attractive dining area."
The new restaurant is staffed by more than 25 employees, most of whom are local residents.