Local Partner Highlight: Sam Rust Seafood
October 17, 2024
At the Tides Inn, we support our local community by sourcing the very best produce and products from farmers and fishers. In this new spotlight, we will feature key purveyors in our Northern Neck region.
Sam Rust Seafood: A Legacy of Trust, Freshness and Community
Samuel Cornelius Rust I, fondly known as Cap’n Sam, aimed not to create the largest seafood distributor, but rather the most trusted one — where relationships and trust were as important as the product itself. From these humble beginnings, Sam Rust Seafood has grown from a small shed, housing just a few coolers of seafood to a full-service wholesale seafood operation located in Hampton, Virginia.
Today, Sam Rust Seafood operates from a 50,000-square-foot facility, continuing to blend the traditional values established by Cap’n Sam with the advancements of modern technology. Four generations later, the company remains family-owned, staying true to its core mission of delivering quality seafood and fostering long-lasting relationships.
A significant moment in the company’s evolution occurred in 1968 when Cap’n Sam’s son-in-law, Bob L. Edmonds, known affectionately as “Cap’n Bob,” joined the business. Under his guidance, the company expanded its operations and by 1990, moved into its current facility. Cap’n Bob’s retirement in 2004 left a legacy that continues to inspire the Edmonds family and the entire team at Sam Rust Seafood.
Sam Rust Seafood places a high value on the relationships they have cultivated with local fishers. Whenever possible, the company sources its seafood from trusted suppliers, whether they are crabbing, fishing, clamming or oystering. Additionally, Sam Rust Seafood sources products along the East Coast, offering a variety of fresh seafood to meet their customers’ needs.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of their operation. The company follows responsible fishing practices that protect marine ecosystems. By partnering with certified fisheries, Sam Rust Seafood ensures that they are not only sourcing responsibly but also offering customers the ability to make informed decisions by highlighting sustainable products on their daily price lists.
Sam Rust Seafood stands out from other suppliers due to its deep connection to the local community and commitment to blending traditional seafood practices with modern innovations. With an experienced team dedicated to exceptional service, the company offers a wide selection of products while prioritizing sustainability. Freshness and quality are paramount; each purchase undergoes temperature checks and visual inspections upon arrival, ensuring the highest standards are upheld throughout the entire process.
As Sam Rust Seafood continues to grow and adapt, it remains a family-run business with its fourth generation now leading the way. The company has upgraded its facilities to meet modern regulatory requirements and continues to hire individuals who are passionate about contributing to the business’s ongoing success.
Gary Garrett of Sam Rust mentions, “It gives us great satisfaction knowing that the Tides Inn trusts us with an integral division of their business.”
The Tides Inn is proud to partner with Sam Rust Seafood at Salt & Meadow, and is eager to continue this partnership, celebrating our values and deepening our connection to the communities we serve.