Branford Small Business Spotlight: Thimble Islands Lobsterbakes

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Thimble Islands Lobsterbakes
Owners: Michael McCleery
Website: www.thimbleislandslobsterbakes.com
Facebook page: Thimble Islands Lobsterbakes
Address: 50 Maple Street, Branford, CT 06405
Telephone: (203)-488-3711

How did you come up with the name?

Thimble Islands Lobsterbakes“ perfectly describes our geography and our service.

Why start a business in this town?

I have lived and worked on the Shoreline for 35 years, and it is ideally situated for my clients who range from Greenwich to Old Lyme.

What business are you in?

We prepare and serve custom lobster, steak and chicken dinners at homes, offices, marinas, mountaintops, parking lots, warehouses, islands, just about anywhere you’d want to enjoy a superlative meal.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced?

Without a doubt, the economic downturn. However, we stayed positive and now that more money is being spent on at-home entertainment, we have surged forward.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

We have served over 15,000 meals since 1995. We have served as few as 8 and as many as 225 dinners at one time. Personally, I have learned to use social networking as the most effective marketing tool in my little world.

How does your business give back to the community?

We support select local charities as finances permit.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.