Local Partner Highlight: Little Bay Seafood

January 23, 2025

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.

 

Little Bay Seafood: A Decade of Freshness and Community Connections 

Little Bay Seafood began over a decade ago with two friends, Scotty George and Damien Crissey, a single boat and 100 used crab pots. What started as a small operation focused on catching and selling hard-shell blue crabs has grown into a thriving business with three boats operating daily and a robust inventory of over 1,000 crab pots. Over the years, Little Bay Seafood expanded its operations to include catching, shedding and processing soft-shell crabs, bringing even more variety and freshness to the seafood offerings of Virginia’s waters. 

Local Waters, Sustainable Practices

Sustainability and high quality are at the heart of Little Bay Seafood’s operations. Every soft crab is harvested from local waters and carefully sorted, cleaned and distributed daily to ensure peak caliber. This hands-on approach reflects a commitment not just to delivering exceptional seafood but to maintaining the health of the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem. 

What Sets Little Bay Seafood Apart

Little Bay Seafood’s dedication to premium, local products and first-class customer service is what distinguishes it from other suppliers. The team takes pride in meeting the needs of its customers quickly and efficiently. “Anytime a demand arises for fresh, quality seafood, we take care of it right away,” Damien explains. 

Ensuring Excellence Every Step of the Way

Excellence is paramount at Little Bay Seafood and their practices reflect this unwavering commitment. Soft crabs are checked every four hours, around the clock, as they are removed from tanks and placed in refrigeration to preserve their quality until they are ready for distribution.  

Chef Kyle Perkins of Salt & Meadow relies on Little Bay Seafood for their exceptional soft-shell crabs, praising their impressive quality, outstanding shelf life and dependable service. Their local proximity and ability to deliver on short notice ensure the restaurant is always prepared, even during busy times. Chef Kyle values the strong relationship with Little Bay Seafood, making softshell season a highly anticipated highlight of the year. 

A Shared Vision with the Tides Inn

For Little Bay Seafood, the Tides Inn and the local community are more than just customers; they are friends and family. The strong relationship between this small business and the guests of the Tides Inn creates a collaborative ecosystem where everyone thrives. “We all work together to take care of each other,” explains Damien, highlighting how visitors to the area play an essential role in supporting local businesses.