Charleston Restaurants Called Out for Not Serving Local Shrimp — Here’s the Full List

Are Charleston Restaurants Really Serving “Local” Shrimp?

If you’ve ever ordered “local shrimp” at your favorite Charleston restaurant, you might want to keep reading. A recent investigation presented by the South Carolina Shrimpers Association revealed a list of popular restaurants that allegedly failed to serve actual South Carolina–caught shrimp — even while advertising it.

The most surprising part? It’s not a supply issue. Local shrimpers say they can meet demand. Instead, the shrimp being served at many waterfront spots — especially in Shem Creek — were found to be imported from the Pacific.

🧠 Why It Matters to Charleston Seafood Lovers

Charleston diners are proud to support fresh, wild-caught seafood — but according to SC law, the term “local shrimp” means it must be harvested in South Carolina waters. Serving imported shrimp while labeling it local is not just misleading — it raises concerns around:

• Seafood quality & safety

• Transparency in sourcing

• Supporting local fisheries and small businesses

The SC Shrimpers Association isn’t out to cancel anyone — they’re calling for accountability, honesty, and community support.

📝 Full List of Restaurants Allegedly Not Serving Local Shrimp

Here are the restaurants named by the SC Shrimpers Association as failing the “local shrimp” test:

• Hushpuppies Seafood Company, LLC

• Homegrown Hospitality, LLC (d/b/a Pearlz Oyster Bar)

• Page’s Incredible Kitchen, LLC (Page’s Okra Grill)

• Southern Roots BBQ, LLC

• Crab Du Jour of Charleston LLC

• O’Charley’s LLC (Dockside Charlie’s)

• Hyman’s Seafood Company, Inc.

• CCH-Market, LLC (Charleston Crab House & Oyster House)

• Saltwater Cowboys LLC

• Bottle Cap Management Group, LLC (Sunset Waterfront Dining)

• Redwing, LLC (Red’s Icehouse)

• Tavern & Table LLC

• Water’s Edge LLC

• Crave Hospitality Group LLC (The Mill Street Tavern)

• Retail Mount Pleasant Seafood Co., Inc. (Mount Pleasant Seafood)

• Ghost Kitchen, LLC (Taters Sea & Soul)

• Rivers 1018 LLC (Family Seafood Market)

• Carrigs Seafood, Inc.

• Poseidon’s Playground LLC

• Cod Tail of Charleston LLC (Cod Tail Seafood & Chicken)

• Charleston Hospitality, LLC (Wreckfish Bar & Grill)

• Happy Crab Cajun Seafood LLC

• Restaurante La Costa LLC

• Avocet Hospitality Group Inc. (Pier 101)

🛠 What Can You Do as a Charleston Seafood Supporter?

Charleston locals can make a real difference by:

• Asking your server where the shrimp was caught

• Supporting restaurants that partner directly with local shrimpers

• Spreading awareness about the importance of honest sourcing

💬 Final Thoughts: Demand Local. Expect Local.

Charleston's identity is deeply tied to our waters — and that includes our seafood. If restaurants are promoting local shrimp, let’s make sure it’s actually from South Carolina. The more we ask questions, the more pressure there is for transparency.