Despite obstacles, US restaurants still banking on seafood for growth

Though Americans’ economic concerns are driving many consumers to make more meals at home, U.S. restaurants are still banking on seafood for growth, and several seafood restaurant chains are expanding throughout the country as a result.

The prevalence of shellfish grew 3 percent on U.S. menus year over year in 2024, driven mainly by strong growth from shrimp, according to market research firm Circana. Servings of “other seafood” rose 1 percent due to strong growth from calamari, but fish dishes fell 3 percent during the year.

Banking on the categories that showed growth last year, U.S. restaurants are featuring shrimp, lobster, and many other seafood species on their spring menus this year.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.-based Off The Hook, which operates eight restaurants across the state, is featuring wild Gulf shrimp paired with Tabasco sauce on its spring menu. 

Through 2 June, the chain’s eateries are offering Pepper Jelly Hook Salad – which includes Gulf shrimp tossed in Tabasco pepper jelly sauce – and a Pepper Jelly Shrimp Wrap – a sweet and savory wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, chipotle sauce, and Gulf shrimp glazed in the Tabasco pepper jelly sauce in a soft tortilla.

Publisher: seafoodsource.com
Author: Christine Blank