6 Things Locals Look For in a Seafood Spot (That Visitors Often Miss)
Where are the Locals are Actually Eating?
Beyond the flashy vacation spots are the hole-in-the-wall joints that locals frequent on a weekly basis. These hidden gems aren’t fine dining restaurants or 5-course meals. They’re often little shacks and dives that keep you coming back for more – places where you run into old friends and chat for 2 hours or where you can order your favorite comfort meal and just know it’s going to be good.
Let’s take a look at what makes a place a local favorite.
1. Local Pride
At Timoti’s Seafood Shak, we are proud to be right in the heart of where the American shrimping industry was started. In the early 1900s, Italian immigrants came to Fernandina Beach and invented the game that is the commercial shrimp business. Salvatore Sollecito and his family set up a sales network that spanned from Florida all the way to New York to fuel the demand for shrimp.
Later, Billy Corkum would come down from Massachusetts and revolutionize the way these shellfish were caught, allowing local fishermen to harvest more shrimp with safer methods for them and their crew. Corkum’s invention, the otter trawl, is still used today to harvest the shrimp we make here at Timoti’s!
We choose to remember these iconic figures and their contributions to the industry by serving up wild-caught shrimp every day.
2. Menu Variety
There are two kinds of locals when eating: the ones who order the same thing every time and the ones who order something different every time. Luckily, we have tried and true classics and creative concoctions on our menu to satisfy all taste buds.
For the folks who prefer something on the lighter side, you also have to have plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Timoti’s Chopped Salad Box is a top choice filled with delicious veggies and more.
And we can’t forget the locals’ favorites: limited-time specials. Regulars go crazy for a blackened cobia BLT, a cup of curry crab bisque, and shrimp and grits. Who can blame them?
3. Casual Atmosphere
One thing you can bet that locals will take note of is the atmosphere. They want to unwind and hangout in a casual space where they can bring the whole family. A playground for the kids? Necessary. A tasty beverage for the adults? Mandatory.
Even more important than the physical atmosphere is the people playing a role in the dining experience. A lively and passionate crew is what keeps locals returning to restaurants because you just can’t beat the feeling of walking in and being greeted on a first name basis. Although we are technically a quick-service restaurant, we never forget that we’re in the business of hospitality.
4. Reliable Service
Consistency in the kitchen is key to being a local favorite. It’s never a fun experience when you order something that comes out tasting… not as good as you remember. One of the best ways to ensure that a restaurant is maintaining its quality is by keeping the same kitchen staff.
We’re happy to say that our kitchen crew is made up of people who have been in the Timoti’s family for 10+ years! All the credit goes to them for keeping our regulars happy throughout the years.
5. No Shortcuts
We strongly believe that you can’t cut corners. Locals have a sixth sense for determining if seafood is fresh or not, which is why we have a close relationship with our fishmonger, and our shrimp are always peeled in house, every day. Sometimes, that means peeling thousands of shrimp a day!
The commitment to no shortcuts runs even deeper with our chicken strips also being cut, breaded, and made to order for those that don’t enjoy a meal from the sea.
6. Signature Flavor
The last element needed to win over locals is a signature flavor. Our take on this is a top-notch blackening seasoning. This blend is used all throughout our menu and has a distinct taste that regulars love.
Eat Like a Local at Timoti’s Seafood Shak
So, come visit us and see what all the local buzz is about! We can’t wait to serve you some authentic, Florida seafood.