I’m from Maryland so I grew up on crabs and seafood. And I’ve been to Joe’s Crab Shack in the past and enjoyed myself there. The Joe’s Crab Shack in Harlem…..still needs some work. Harlem’s own Joe’s Crab Shack official opening on Tuesday July 30th at 2349 Frederick Douglas boulevard on the corner of 125th street had 600 folks lined up at the opening. The PR Company handling events had promised the first 100 people a year’s worth of free crab, but extended it to 300 people. Another 200 in line thereafter received certificates for free crab Steampots. Opening of Joe’s Crab Shack promises to provide 170 jobs for local people. It stands on a 10,000 square feet location and should accommodate 380 guests.
There were mixed feelings about the arrival of this mainstream food chain. Some view it as too expensive for the neighborhood. Others are just conservative about having something like this on the boulevard. In all, there should be lots of benefit to other existing businesses as the Shack’s crowd should have some spillover effects.
Harlem would begin to enjoy great southern-styled seafood as Joe’s Crab Shack opens its first New York City branch. Joe’s Crab Shack is owned by Ignite Restaurant Group (IRG) who also owns Romano Macaroni and Brick House Tavern + Tap.
The grand opening of Joe’s Crab Shack doubled as a fundraiser for Autism Speaks (the world’s leading Autism Science and Advocacy organization). Patrons had a chance to get coupons for the key Lime Pie, Crab Nanchos or the Classic Steampot which could be redeemed on a future visit. Joe’s Crab Shack has branches all across America. Their menu comprises southern flavors and spiced fresh seafood sourced from the highest quality. There are the steampots, seafood entrees and crab dishes such as the Dungeness, Snow and King crab.
Joe’s Crab Shack would be the largest fish currently swimming in Harlem’s waters. However, Red Lobster is planning to come in soon and may be located close to the Apollo Theater. So Joe’s needs to step it’s game up quickly. Most of the Chains in Harlem’s commercial main street have been low range up till now, but the arrival of Joe’s is a gateway for higher range chains. Could we see an Outback Stakehouse or a T.G.I. Friday’s make it’s way up town?
My thoughts:
Joe’s is not ready for prime time yet. My food took over an hour to come and it was dry and tasteless. We ordered the appetizer sampler that never came. But because we where so hungry from the tasteless crabs we had to re-order it. Once it came it was DRY, tasteless, and over-cooked. #Fail
If Joe’s wants someone like me to really come and dine there on a regular basis they need to get the food right. I’m willing to spend good money on crabs but I hate bad crabs, over-cooked shrimp, and tasteless food. Customer service is key and I left Joe’s Crab Shack wanting Red Lobster to open up faster.
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