For 17 years, the Shrimpman has been selling shrimp in the Pawleys area. He and his cousin, Charles, pride themselves on the quality of their product. Their shrimp are never more than a day old and never have any sort of preservative added. The Shrimpman calls them "organic" with a smile. Any product left over at day's end is distributed to family and friends. However, when I pulled up to interview the Shrimpman, it was 2:00PM, and he had just sold his last 10 lbs. While we stood there and chatted, 5 more customers stopped by, only to be turned away disappointed.
The Shrimpman has a simple business model. He and Charles catch the shrimp, select the best of the bunch, and throw them in a cooler. The Shrimpman then drives up to his regular location, out in front of Pawleys Island Supplies, at the corner of Highway 17 and the North Causeway to Pawleys Island. Locals know there is shrimp available if they see his truck parked out front. Apparently, people will sometimes call Pawleys Island Supplies to find out if he is there yet. (You can call them at 843-237-2912.)
Pawleys Island Supplies is a long time local establishment originally owned by the Cribb family. The current owners, Chris and Jennifer Brown, work hard to keep the tradition of this Favorite Pawleys Island Place. PI Supplies has just about anything you could possibly need for a vacation in Pawleys. Originally, Ernie Cribb filled PI Supply with hardware from Orgill. You can still pick up most of what you need for home improvement as well as a wide array of beach supplies, fishing gear, bait, snacks and souvenirs. And, the store also offers non-ethanol gasoline for your boat!
The Shrimpman has a classic, laid-back, and witty personality, with plenty of on and "off-the record" local stories. He can be found in front off Pawleys Island Supplies from May 15 through the end of December. Jumbo shrimp (16 count, about a pound) runs $5.50, the same as he has charged for 17 years! The Shrimpman says that his business motto is: "You can shear a sheep many times, but only skin it once." Translation, he strives to always be fair and honest with his customers to ensure that they will keep coming back for more. And they do...
When you stop by Pawleys Island Supply to pick up your shrimp for supper, don't forget to pick up a copy of "The Pawleys Island Shrimpman Cookbook", a compilation of local amateur chefs' favorite recipes for preparing the Shrimpman's treasures. He also has T-Shirts to show your support for local seafood.
The Shrimpman shared with me one more piece of wisdom; how to make a million dollars in the shrimp business. "Start with two shrimp, " he says.
"Charlie" the mascot
One more reason to book your vacation in Pawleys Island or come here to stay...Shrimpman!
Contact me and I will help you find your place in paradise...
Happy House Hunting!
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