U.S. seafood restaurant franchisor Captain D’s has expanded into Canada through its first-ever franchise development agreement north of the border.

Ontario-based entrepreneurs Ali Saeed and Mudassir Choudri have agreed to bring five Captain D’s restaurants to the Greater Toronto Area over the next several years, Nashville-based Captain D’s said in a news release.

“We look forward to expanding our footprint with them and throughout the country, knowing that our flexible prototypes and expertise in converting existing properties resonate with entrepreneurs looking to add a proven quick-service concept to their portfolio,” Brad Reed, chief development officer of Captain D’s. 

The company said it has “aggressive” plans to grow throughout Canada.

Saeed and Choudri own and operate groups of Shell gas stations in Ontario.

Captain D’s has about 530 restaurants in 23 states. The company said its “market-smart” real estate prototypes are attracting both new and existing multi-unit and multi-concept franchisees with features such as highly efficient double drive-thrus, smaller footprints and cost-effective conversion opportunities.