Meet Your Merchant- The Crab Claw

 

Business: The Crab Claw

Address: 304 Burns Street St. Michaels

Website: www.thecrabclaw.com

Phone:  410-745-2900

Hours: Seasonal March-October Opens at 11am

Who are the owners?

Tracey Jones Wass and Sylvia Jones

How and why you started your business?

The Crab Claw was originally an oyster and clam shucking house, and a wholesale live crab distributor from local watermen to restaurants and businesses over the Bay Bridge.  Eventually it was decided to open a crab house.

What do you sell/ make /do?  
 The Crab Claw is a full service seafood restaurant and specializes in Chesapeake Bay fare. It has been a favorite of locals and visitors for 50 years.   The menu over the years has expanded to include locally caught fish, crabs, clams and oysters, and other regional favorites, like this yummy steamer bucket shown on the left.

Where is your business located and why did you choose your location?   The business started in the 1950's as The Eastern Shore Clam Company, a clam and oyster shucking house. Local watermen came in daily with their catch of oysters, clams or crabs. 
The Crab Claw is located along the St Michaels Harbor on Navy Point, next to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.  The old shucking house was a prefect spot for a restaurant, and The Crab Claw was born.

What strategies do you use to draw people to your establishment?

For 50 years we have provided good food and excellent service, and repeat customers, year after year. Celebrating our 50th year, we have generations of families that have grown up dining at The Crab Claw.  We also participate in WineFest at St Michaels and St Michaels BrewFest as pouring venues. Participating in these festivals is another way we can introduce new customers to our restaurant.

What is your strategy for growth in the next year?

We're developing ideas to bring new and repeat customers to The Crab Claw.

What is the best thing about running a business here?

The opportunity to live and work in a small town atmosphere is the best thing about St Michaels.