From Charlotte Business Journal:
Topsail Steamer cracks into Charlotte market with Montford Park restaurant
Topsail Steamer is bringing the seafood boil to Charlotte — without the work. The family-run company will open a 755-square-foot store on Aug. 9 in the Montford Park area.
That restaurant, at 1630 E. Woodlawn Ave., is the brand’s first location in Charlotte. It’s neighbors with Total Wine in the Parktowne Village shopping center.
The concept brings the seafood steam pot experience — think Low Country Boil, New England Clam Lobster bake — home any day of the week.
Greg and Sara Zanitsch, owners of fine-dining establishment The Fig Tree, have signed on to bring the brand to Charlotte. They first fell in love with the concept after visiting a store in Anna Maria Island, Florida.
“We want our guests to experience what attracted us to Topsail Steamer in the first place: delicious seafood and a welcoming environment that makes them excited about their experience,” says Sara Zanitsch.
This is the first Topsail Steamer location that’s not located in a coastal town, says Cole Klaren, store launch coordinator. He says there’s room for several store in the greater Charlotte area; the brand is working to identify franchise partners.
“Our customers will no longer have to be at the beach or on vacation to experience a Topsail Steamer Bay Bucket. We know that we have many customers in the area, so it made sense for our first ‘traditional’ location to be in a market where there was brand awareness,” he says.
He notes the brand has been shipping its pots nationwide for four years and has learned that customers don’t just enjoy them on vacation, but also for neighborhood gatherings, birthdays, tailgates, holidays or even a regular night.
“This is because we provide a healthy, delicious and convenient meal experience,” Klaren says.
The Charlotte location will feature Topsail Steamer’s seven signature Bay Buckets, such as The Low Country Shrimp, The Topsail Clam Bake or Crabby Jimbo, complete with snow-crab legs.
Single-use pots are filled with fresh seafood, veggies, sausages and a proprietary blend of seasoning. They come with a base of sweet corn and red bliss potatoes.
It’s also possible to build your own bucket, with everything from peel-and-eat shrimp and snow crab to large sea scallops, oysters and cold-water lobster tail. Seasoning options include classic, Cajun, herb blend and Jimmy’s Way — a mix of classic and Cajun.
Customers take the bucket home to steam and eat, with simple instructions to add water or beer and cook via stovetop, grill or burner. Butter, cocktail sauce — and even brown paper for the table — are provided.
Topsail Steamer Charlotte will source local seafood and produce from various vendors. The focus will be on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
“Our mission is to provide an unforgettable seafood experience to share with family and friends,” Laren says.
Pots can serve between two and 25 people.
The store was designed by JL Design Studio. DRB General Contracting is the general contractor.
The design incorporated pops of white, orange and blue, with dark-stained wood, white subway tile and galvanized steel. Colorful chalkboards greet customers with options. Customers get a chance to see their buckets built from the display of fresh seafood.
Topsail Steamer founder Danielle Mahon left behind a job in biotech to launch the concept. The first location opened on North Carolina’s Topsail Island in 2017. The family-owned business has grown to eight stores in four states. The Charlotte location marks the ninth for the brand. It also ships nationwide.
The company is working with Elite Franchise Capital to develop 40-plus stores across the United States.
The investment range to open a location is between $201,000 and $351,000. There’s also a $45,000 franchise fee. Franchisees sign a 10-year agreement, which includes additional royalty and marketing fees.
The brand looks to locate near quick-service food concepts, such as doughnuts or pizza, or high-traffic retail centers. Stores are between 550 and 1,200 square feet.
Hours will be from noon until 7 p.m. seven days a week, with delivery and takeout available. Orders can be made online, via phone or in person.
JL Design Studio 
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