A new catering and takeout franchise that specializes in true low-country Carolinian-style seafood boils is headed to Tampa.
Husband and wife James and Jennifer Berlin, along with James’ brother Logan, have signed a franchise agreement to open three Outer Banks Boil Company locations over the next few years, the first of which is expected to open in February in the Dolphin Village Shopping Center in St. Pete Beach.
Though exact addresses have yet to be announced for the other two locations, the Berlins have their sights set on Clearwater Beach and downtown Tampa, possibly in Riverview.
“The entrepreneur bug bit me early on and I found myself constantly looking for an opportunity to start my own business,” says Logan, who will operate the first restaurant as General Manager until things are up and running. “After learning about Outer Banks Boil Company, it only took a few phone calls to get James and Jennifer excited about opening a location of our own. We’re here to share the time-honored family vacation tradition of a seafood boil, where we combine a unique dining experience with some good old fashioned fun.”
So what exactly is a boil and how does it work?
Jumbo shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob and sweet Vidalia onions are layered, seasoned to perfection and expertly steamed together in a boiling pot of spiced water. Seafood such as snow crab legs, clams, mussels, scallops and lobster tails can also be added, as well as local favorites depending on store location. For non-seafood fans, Outer Banks Boil Company also offers pulled pork, barbecue, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and key lime pie for dessert.
When cooking is complete, all the yummy goodness is dropped onto a table fully equipped with a table cloth, plates, forks, knives, and all the other essential utensils and fix-ins for a traditional Carolina low-country boil.
In addition to the above catering option, there are two other ways to enjoy Outer Banks Boil Company: Takeout and Special Events.
You Steam – Takeout: Outer Banks’ POT TO-GO provides customers with the opportunity to experience a Coastal Low Country Boil without the full-service catering.
Special Events: From rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions to birthday celebrations and family reunions, Outer Banks makes any event one to remember.
“Our goal is to provide our customers not just a meal, but a memory,” says Logan.
James and Jennifer are also quick to acknowledge that the Covid-19 pandemic has actually fueled demand for businesses like Outer Banks Boil Company. Jennifer continues, “While many restaurants have struggled to adapt their systems and processes to continue operations during COVID-19, Outer Banks Boil Company is perfectly prepared for the shift in the landscape. As the demand for takeout food and the restaurant experience continues to rise, we will provide people with access to delicious and authentic low-country seafood boils.”
The local expansion announcement comes at a time when Outer Banks Boil Company continues to expand its footprint in the Southeast. Today, the burgeoning brand has five total units operating in North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia. Specifically eyeing beach communities, cities and college/university towns, Outer Banks is planning to open at least 3-5 units in 2021 and at least five locations each year thereafter.
