The South Shore area rarely gets new eateries, especially one that’s not a chain. So it was exciting news when Chris Marrero and Ryan Garis, owners of the Ruskin Seafood Co., opened the Ruskin Seafood Shack next door.
“When we opened the market, we also wanted to add food inside,” Marrero said. “But there wasn’t enough space, so we bought the shell of a food truck and built it out, added a 30 x 30 foot patio and set it up for outdoor dining.”
Located at 701 U.S. 41 S, the new eatery serves upscale, made-to-order menu items fresh from the sea. Everything’s prepared by Dustin Innings, a Florida West Coast chef with 25 years of experience, whom Marrero had previously known.
Marrero said menu ideas came from visits to the Florida Keys, seafood he and Garis like and research they did. They went for quality and a greater variety of seafood, while keeping an average price point.
“The food is incredible and extremely fresh, an elevated seafood experience,” said Apollo Beach resident Melanie Davis-Ricard, executive director of the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce. “It’s awesome knowing it’s owned by families born and raised here who pour themselves back into our community…