Lindy’s Seafood, Inc., located in Woolford, Maryland, is a family-owned and operated seafood company specializing in Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and fresh local seafood products. Established in 1976, the company has grown into one of the largest crab processing and distribution operations on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Lindy’s Seafood is known for its dedication to quality, freshness, and heritage, with deep-rooted relationships in the Mid-Atlantic fishing community.
Core Business
Lindy’s Seafood’s core business revolves around harvesting, processing, and distributing premium Maryland seafood. Operating directly on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the company controls the entire value chain—from catching and purchasing seafood from local watermen to steaming, picking, packaging, and selling it to wholesale and retail markets.
The company is renowned for maintaining traditional methods of seafood handling while incorporating modern food safety standards and customer-focused packaging solutions.
Product and Service Offerings
Lindy’s Seafood offers a focused yet highly sought-after range of seafood products, including:
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Live Crabs:
- Freshly harvested Chesapeake Bay blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus)
- Sold in a variety of sizes (Number 1, Number 2, Females)
- Seasonal availability (spring through fall)
-
Fresh Maryland Crab Meat:
- Hand-picked and processed daily
- Available in Jumbo Lump, Lump, Backfin, Special, and Claw grades
- Branded under the well-known Mary Ellen Brand
-
Live Soft Crabs:
- Fresh and in various sizes
- Popular with restaurants and gourmet seafood retailers
-
Oysters:
- Marketed under Captain Vincent's Chesapeake Bay Oysters
- Offered live in the shell and in shucked formats during season
Lindy’s products are available both wholesale and retail, and distributed locally and across the East Coast through refrigerated logistics.
Specialization and Core USP
Lindy’s Seafood’s competitive edge lies in its specialization in fresh, traceable Maryland crab and its ability to scale production during peak season while maintaining artisanal processing standards.
Key differentiators include:
- Family-operated with multi-generational expertise
- Direct relationships with local Chesapeake Bay watermen
- On-site crab steaming and meat picking facility
- Signature Mary Ellen Brand recognized for premium crab meat
- Located at the source—Woolford, Maryland, right on the bay
Their consistent product quality, traceability, and authentic regional branding attract both fine-dining establishments and large distributors seeking certified Chesapeake Bay seafood.
Financials
Lindy’s Seafood is a privately held company, and financial data is not publicly disclosed. However, based on industry averages and operational scale, it is estimated to generate USD $5–10 million in annual revenue, primarily during peak crab and oyster seasons from April to October.
The company serves a mix of wholesale accounts, local restaurants, retail seafood markets, and direct-to-consumer online sales.
Shipment Data
- Distribution Region: Primarily Mid-Atlantic and East Coast U.S.
- Shipment Methods: Refrigerated trucks for fresh crab meat and live crab shipments
- Export: No significant international exports publicly documented
- Volume: Processes thousands of bushels of crabs per season, with high-demand during Memorial Day to Labor Day
Crab meat is packed and labeled for both foodservice and retail clients, with custom packaging options available.
Target Market
Lindy’s Seafood serves:
- Seafood distributors and wholesalers
- High-end restaurants and crab houses
- Regional supermarket chains
- Local seafood markets
- Online retail customers via direct orders
Their products cater to customers seeking authentic, locally sourced Maryland blue crab and oyster products with full traceability and freshness.
Capabilities
- Steaming and picking facility with refrigerated cold chain support
- Retail storefront at the dockside for locals and tourists
- Custom labeling and private branding (e.g., Mary Ellen Brand)
- Support for seasonal volume surges and holiday promotions
- Partnerships with restaurants and foodservice operators
Certifications and Compliance Records
Lindy’s operates in compliance with:
- FDA and USDA food safety regulations
- HACCP plans for seafood safety and processing
- Maryland Department of Health and Environment certifications
- U.S. state and federal shellfish sanitation programs
The company maintains rigorous temperature control and sanitation procedures to ensure product integrity from catch to customer.
Customer Testimonials
“The freshness and flavor of their crab meat is second to none. We serve it proudly in our signature crab cakes.”
— Executive Chef, Baltimore Restaurant Group
“We’ve been working with Lindy’s for years. Their reliability during the busy crab season is unmatched.”
— Regional Seafood Distributor, Mid-Atlantic
Major Achievements
- Celebrated over 45 years of family ownership and continuous operation
- Developed one of the most recognizable crab meat brands in the Chesapeake Bay area
- Featured in local press and national media for its contribution to Maryland’s seafood heritage
- Maintained consistent supply and pricing during market disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic
- Built enduring partnerships with Maryland’s watermen and crabbers
Lindy’s Seafood, Inc. continues to uphold the legacy of Maryland seafood excellence through hands-on operations, trusted relationships, and a commitment to delivering the best of the Chesapeake Bay to tables across the East Coast.