By Phil Klutts
October 30, 2023
Exploring Gulf flavors at Edmond Seafood Company
In an unassuming building at the corner of Danforth and North Boulevard sits the Edmond Seafood Company. It’s more than just a market for groceries. It’s a culinary bridge that connects the people of Edmond to the rich flavors of the Gulf Coast.
Ben Deakle, the owner of Edmond Seafood Company, has brought his passion for Gulf Coast cuisine to the sooner state. His story is an example of listening to your customers, going above and beyond, and a commitment to quality.
How did they get here?
Opened in September of 2022, Edmond Seafood Company was born out of Ben’s desire to bring the tastes he grew up with in Alabama to Edmond, Oklahoma.
“Just wanted to have some food here that I’m accustomed to from Alabama in the South,” says Ben, explaining the inspiration behind his seafood venture.
Ben’s journey to Edmond began in 2007 when he moved to the area to work in concrete. Although he briefly left Oklahoma for a contract in Louisiana, he returned in 2009 and found himself drawn to the world of seafood.
Sourcing the freshest seafood
His seafood connections run deep, as his family hails from the Gulf Coast, known for its bountiful seafood offerings.
“My sister has the oyster house. I usually get my shrimp from Jeremy Earlot. I get crab meat from his brother Chris,” Ben explained, emphasizing the importance of sourcing from people he knows.
To ensure a diverse selection of seafood, Ben embarks on a weekly journey that takes him from Shreveport to Evergreen, Alabama, making stops along the way to pick up everything from shrimp to oysters to specialty items like jelly and meat pies.
When asked about the seafood selection at Edmond Seafood Company, Ben shared, “I carry a variety of Gulf Coast fish, snapper, grouper, catfish, mahi, tuna, and more, most of which come directly from the Gulf Coast. The rest is sourced from local suppliers.”
Ben’s commitment to authenticity means he often goes the extra mile, like bringing in on-demand items and even sourcing specialty products such as blue plate mayonnaise and coastal hot sauce.
Future ventures
As for the future, Ben remains focused on expanding his seafood venture while keeping customer preferences at the forefront. “The expansion kind of comes as I have time,” he noted. “I need to bring in live seafood like oysters, clams, mussels, and crabs. I don’t have the facility for that right now, but eventually, I would like to get a walk-in cooler with a good drainage system.”
Edmond Seafood Company’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and family values shines through in every seafood offering, ensuring that Edmond residents get a taste of the Gulf Coast right in their backyard.
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About Phil Klutts
Phil Klutts helps businesses and leaders navigate from where they are to where they want to be. His leadership experience spans teams and projects at all levels of organizations, from Fortune 200 companies to startups. As a coach and consultant, he helps leaders gain the clarity and confidence they need to succeed.
Phil is the Managing Partner at Edmond Business and Founder at 405 Leadership Advisors, but finds the most satisfaction in raising his two boys with Tara, his wife of over 17 years. They live in Edmond and stay engaged in the community through church, school, and various other organizations.