An Update From Our Family: Thank You

Thank You: Closing a Chapter and On to New Frontiers

As a family, we’ve come to the decision that Maxwell Shellfish will not be reopening. As you can imagine it has been a difficult one, and one we have been weighing since we shut the doors in October. We’ve cried many tears but have simultaneously enjoyed deep sighs of relief.

Over the last few years it has become increasingly difficult to run a business that survives off of perishable goods. Additionally, and even more importantly, our lives are changing. We’re thrilled to tell you that Bridgitte is expecting baby number three this September, and Gretchen is getting married this August.

While the retail shop won’t open, there will still be a limited number of boat slips available, so if you, or someone you know is interested in one, please call or email John.

Some of our favorite things we’ve launched over the last few years have been our Raw Bar and Shucking Classes. Oysters and these local waters are in our blood, after all, and sharing their history while converting new oyster lovers has been a highlight! In keeping with the family tradition, Gretchen is launching Saltwater Soirées with the purpose to create memorable experiences through shucking. You can learn more about Saltwater Soirées here or on instagram @saltwatersoirees.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the years you have allowed us to serve you. We know so many of you by name, and truly looked forward to seeing you each week considering you more friends than customers. Working together as a family has been a gift, and we will always look back fondly on this time in our lives. Thank you for supporting us in the past, and now as we move on to new frontiers.

Sincerely,

The Maxwell Family

Bridgitte, Gretchen, Kim & John

Girls' Night Out: Summer Soirée ✨

Kick off Summer with a truly unique and memorable Girls’ Night Out.

Grab Your Girlfriends, Bring Your Own Bubbly and Spend A Relaxing Evening by the Bay.  featuring delicious bites from The Cast Iron Kitchen, Raw Oysters from Maxwell Shellfish, Live Acoustic Guitar by Nate Acito and a Build-Your-Own Bouquet Bar by Leepa Farm.

Date: Thursday, June 1st | 6-8pm
Where: Maxwell Shellfish | 22 Wilson Avenue, Port Republic 
Tickets: $55 per person
Rain Date: Sunday, June 4th | 6-8pm

Space is limited so grab your tickets before they sell out!

BYOB | Raw Bar | Grilled Oysters | Salads & Snacks | Bites from the Grill | Live Music | Locally Grown Flower Bar

Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferrable! Just email us at info@maxwellshellfish.com with any questions!

This event is outdoors, so please dress accordingly! 

Where We've Been & Where We're Going

A Long Note to our Customers:

We’ve made some big changes during the 2022-2023 off season. As a business we’ve seen incredible growth in our Fish Market and Raw Bar, and as a family we’ve seen our priorities shift over the last few years.

Excitedly, our dad, captain and boss has retired from a 50 year career on the water. Don’t worry, he’ll still be hanging around helping us manage day-to-day operations, and will continue his role as chief officer of pithy comments.  We’re excited to have him in a more hands on role in the fish market and are so proud of the years he’s worked on the water and served the shellfish industry in New Jersey. At the end of 2022 he stepped down as a special officer in New Jersey, namely as Councilman and Chair of the Atlantic Coast Section of the New Jersey Shellfisheries Council, and as a member of the Marine Fisheries Council.

Since he’s hung up his dredge, us girls have followed suit.

As much as we have cherished our time on the water, our priorities have shifted, as have the demands of our business. We are so grateful for our time on the bay with our father and grandfather. Those experiences are unique and incredibly special for us. And while we may not miss wearing flannels on 90 degree July mornings to minimize greenhead bites, we have incredible respect for the bay and baymen in our state. Our time on the bay has left us with a respect for the fishing industry, passion for the environment, and a desire to know more about our food and the people that bring it to our tables!

So, as Spring turns to Summer and your cravings turn to seafood you may stop by and realize there have been a few changes. The most obvious when you pull in is the absence of our oyster boats. Along with our oyster ground at Graveling Point and our seed ground in the Mullica River, our boats have been purchased by Bivalve Packing in Port Norris, NJ.

These growers are pros and are responsible for the East Point Delaware Bay oysters you see all over local menus. This year they will begin working at Graveling Point in Great Bay and you’ll likely sneak a peak at their 100 year old oyster boat at our docks. So, while the ground is going to be worked by a different family, we will continue carrying Great Bay Graveling  Points in our Fish Market.

This is just the next chapter in the Graveling Point Oyster’s story.

In addition to Graveling Points, our Fish Market & Raw Bar will be introducing the Classic Salt from Cape Shore, New Jersey as well as with a few other seasonally available local varieties.

From Clam House to Oyster House to Fish Market to Raw Bar this is the next iteration in a business that is over 100 years old. We’re proud of who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

We hope to see you soon in our renovated Fish Market & Raw Bar space and look forward to serving you this 2023 season!

Bridgitte, Gretchen, Kim & John

Winter 2023 Pre-Order & Pick Up Information

We have great news: we’ll be staying open throughout the winter of 2023! While we won’t be operating under our normal hours or schedule, we will be here for pre-order and pick up. This way you can get your fish fix all winter long - after all, fish is the perfect addition to your New Year, New You mentality.

All you need to do to place an order is sign up for our weekly emails HERE and once you receive your Monday “Weekly Menu” email, reply back with your order and pick up date (Friday 12 to 4 or Saturday 10 to 2).

We hope this system works well for you as we try to provide our community with fresh fish all year round!

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