Franchising

Outer Banks Boil headed to Florida

Provided

January 14, 2021

Outer Banks Boil Company, a takeout and catering franchise that specializes in low-country Carolinian-style seafood boils is headed to Tampa.

Husband-and-wife, James and Jennifer Berlin, along with James' brother Logan, have signed a franchise agreement to open three locations over the next few years, the first of which is slated for this month in the Dolphin Village Shopping Center in St. Pete Beach, according to a company press release.

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, 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, how does it work?

Jumbo shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob and sweet Vidalia onions are layered, seasoned and steamed in a boiling pot of spiced water. Seafood such as snow crab legs, clams, mussels, scallops and lobster tails may also be added, as well as local favorites depending on store location. For non-seafood fans, Outer Banks Boil Company offers pulled pork, barbecue, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and key lime pie.

When cooking is complete, the fare is dropped onto a table equipped with a table cloth, plates, forks, knives and all the essentials for a traditional Carolina low-country boil.

There are three ways to enjoy Outer Banks Boil Company:

• We Steam — Catering: Outer Banks chefs show up one hour before customers want to eat, set up all the equipment and start cooking.
• You Steam — Takeout: Outer Banks' POT TO-GO provides an 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 makes any event one to remember, Logan said.

"Our goal is to provide our customers not just a meal, but a memory," he said.

The Berlins said Covid-19 has fueled 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 brand has five units 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 units 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.