Rumors have been floating around town, but they were only confirmed today. I have mixed feelings about Mac's expansion into a related, yet different industry. I heard Wellfleet Shellfish Company was facing hard times, bankruptcy even, that Mac was saving the company. That's good, right? Still, there's something about buying up properties, like in a huge game of Monopoly, with the Outer Cape as the board.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Mac's Seafood Buys Wellfleet Shellfish Company
Rumors have been floating around town, but they were only confirmed today. I have mixed feelings about Mac's expansion into a related, yet different industry. I heard Wellfleet Shellfish Company was facing hard times, bankruptcy even, that Mac was saving the company. That's good, right? Still, there's something about buying up properties, like in a huge game of Monopoly, with the Outer Cape as the board.
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chezsven 82p · 670 weeks ago
Wellfleet Shellfish Company Turns Over Helm to Mac's Seafood
(April 23, 2012...Wellfleet, Mass.) The Wellfleet-based fishmongers at Mac's Seafood today bought Wellfleet Shellfish Company––one of the largest shellfish marketing groups on Outer Cape Cod.
Wellfleet Shellfish Company was started in 2001 by twelve independent shellfishermen as a way of sharing the investment and work of getting their oysters and clams to Boston, New York and other markets.
The shellfishermen in the group are optimistic about the deal, which they hope will give Wellfleet oysters and clams a leg up in an increasingly competitive market where more and more coastal regions are touting the unique traits of their local products––and building new brands around them.
Jim O'Connell, a shellfish farmer and one of the founders of Wellfleet Shellfish Company, isn't one to dream of selling out. But, he explained, "It's extremely difficult to mind the farm and the shop at the same time." He sees the sale as, "a transition that can really help our project reach its full potential."
Mac and Alex Hay, the two brothers who own Mac's Seafood, were known as trusted buyers and sellers of local seafood. "Obviously, they are solid entrepreneurs," says Bob Wallace, another Wellfleet Shellfish Company founder. "But more important, we didn't want the company go to a big out-of-town operation. We wanted to have the economic benefits felt in our community. The Hays have roots here and are invested in the local community." The group approached Mac's about the possibility of a deal last year.
"This is a great opportunity to support our local growers," says Mac. "One reason this is a good fit is that from the beginning, we've focused on offering seafood sourced directly from Cape Cod fishing families."
"Our first priority is to meet existing demand," says Alex. Based on his wholesale experience, Alex estimates Wellfleet Shellfish Company––the enterprise will keep that name––can double its volume in two years. "Continuing to work with these farmers, accessing our own network of growers, and connecting with as many other shellfishermen as possible will help us reach this goal."
About Mac's Seafood
Mac's began in 1995 as a retail fish market located on Wellfleet's Town Pier. Mac's has grown to include two other markets, two restaurants, and a HAACP-certified wholesale processing facility in Truro. That facility was set up initially to supply the Mac's stores, but grew quickly when requests rolled in from chefs and retailers. Mac's also markets seafood online and ships overnight nationwide.
Stan · 670 weeks ago