Shellfish Broker LLC, based in South Chatham, Massachusetts, is a specialized seafood wholesaler with a focus on providing high-quality, traceable, and sustainably harvested shellfish and seafood products. Founded by industry veterans Jamie Bassett and Matthew Belson, the company operates in the heart of Cape Cod’s historic fishing region, delivering premium seafood to clients across the United States.
Core Business
Shellfish Broker LLC operates as a boutique seafood brokerage and wholesale supplier, connecting small-scale harvesters and regional aquaculture operations with premium buyers including restaurants, seafood retailers, and distributors. The company prides itself on ensuring freshness, traceability, and responsible sourcing from harvest to plate.
Product and Service Offerings
Shellfish Broker LLC provides a curated selection of seafood, including:
Fresh Shellfish
- Wild and farm-raised oysters
- Littleneck clams
- Quahogs
- Soft-shell clams (steamers)
- Scallops (bay and sea scallops)
Seafood Products
- Lobster (live and processed)
- Fresh white fish (seasonal, locally sourced)
- Specialty items based on catch availability (e.g., razor clams, mussels)
All products are handled under strict cold chain logistics, with deliveries tailored for peak freshness to high-end foodservice and wholesale buyers.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Shellfish Broker’s core strengths lie in:
- Direct sourcing from Cape Cod and New England fisheries, ensuring minimal time from harvest to delivery
- Strong relationships with independent shellfish growers and harvesters, enabling access to boutique and specialty products
- Deep industry experience from founders with decades of combined expertise in seafood marketing, procurement, and quality control
- A personalized, high-touch service model that includes real-time sourcing updates, catch availability, and logistics coordination
The company functions as both a connector and quality gatekeeper between responsible fisheries and premium buyers.
Financials
As a privately owned, specialized wholesaler:
- Estimated annual revenue between USD 1–3 million
- Sales are focused within the domestic U.S. market, primarily the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and select urban culinary centers
- Operates with a lean, agile team and strong supplier network model rather than centralized processing infrastructure
Shipment Data
While public export shipment data is minimal due to the company’s focus on domestic wholesale:
- Regular deliveries to fine dining restaurants, seafood retailers, and chefs’ co-ops
- Coordinates just-in-time logistics, primarily via regional refrigerated carriers
- Operates with a high frequency turnover model, ensuring inventory moves rapidly from ocean to customer within 24–48 hours of harvest
Target Market
Shellfish Broker LLC caters to:
- High-end restaurants and chefs
- Specialty seafood wholesalers and distributors
- Farm-to-table and sustainable food programs
- Retailers specializing in fresh, traceable, and regional seafood
Their client base values freshness, provenance, and personalized sourcing — areas where Shellfish Broker delivers consistently.
Capabilities
- Custom sourcing based on client specifications
- Real-time inventory and availability tracking
- Sourcing from both wild-caught and farm-raised shellfish operations
- Relationships with DMF-certified growers and harvesters
- Logistics coordination for refrigerated delivery throughout the Northeast
Certifications and Compliance
While the company does not list specific third-party certifications, it operates in compliance with:
- Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) harvest and transport regulations
- FDA shellfish safety protocols
- National Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) guidelines
- HACCP-aligned handling procedures through partners and fulfillment vendors
Customer Testimonials
“Shellfish Broker consistently provides our kitchen with pristine product — their oysters and littlenecks are some of the best we’ve ever served.”
— Executive Chef, Boston Seafood Bistro
“Jamie and Matt know their product, know the fishermen, and know what chefs need. Their hands-on approach and communication make them a top-tier partner.”
— Seafood Buyer, NYC Distributor
Major Achievements
- Built a highly respected boutique seafood supply operation serving many of New England’s finest dining establishments
- Created strong economic partnerships with Cape Cod harvesters and aquaculturists
- Recognized within the regional industry for ethical sourcing and personalized service
- Supported local shellfish sustainability initiatives and community harvest programs
Shellfish Broker LLC continues to set a standard for traceable, responsibly sourced seafood in the U.S. wholesale market, offering buyers a trusted link to the finest shellfish from Cape Cod and beyond.