Carolinian-Style Seafood Boil Franchise Coming To Tampa

COROLLA, NC – A new takeout and catering franchise that specializes in true low-country Carolinian-style seafood boils is headed to Tampa Bay.

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, or possibly in Riverview.

“The entrepreneur bug bit me early on and I found myself constantly looking for an opportunity to start my own business,” said Logan Berlin, 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 the store location.

When cooking is complete, the pot is dropped onto a table fully equipped with a table cloth, plates, forks, knives, and all the other essential utensils and fixins for a traditional Carolina low-country boil.

For non-seafood fans, Outer Banks Boil Company also offers pulled pork barbecue, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and key lime pie for dessert.

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 can provide boils for any event.

“Our goal is to provide our customers not just a meal, but a memory,” says Logan.

James and Jennifer Berlin said the coronavirus pandemic has actually fueled the demand for businesses like Outer Banks Boil Company.

“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," Jennifer Berlin said. "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.

The burgeoning brand has five stores operating in North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia. Specifically eyeing beach communities, cities and college/university towns, Outer Banks is planning to open at least three to five stores in 2021 and at least five locations each year thereafter.

Founded in 2012, and franchising since the start of 2020, the Outer Banks Boil Company is a seafood boil catering franchise concept that creates an alternative social dining experience that is family-focused and gathers people around one table to enjoy a true Carolinian-style seafood boil.

Outer Banks Boil Company offers customers a takeout option of pre-prepared boils of their choice, as well as catering where they prepare the boil, cook it and clean up once it is over.