Rob Mayo never envisioned a life in the seafood industry, despite growing up next to a commercial fishing dock off Chesapeake Bay in the Eastern U.S.
Mayo said he loved his experiences helping his neighbor with fishing, crabbing, and oystering as a youngster and developed a love for good seafood. Despite trying out other careers as an adult, the call toward the industry eventually proved too strong.
While out for a run, Mayo contemplated the ways he could best adhere to a healthy diet yet still ensure he had the energy necessary to complete rigorous exercise, like training for a triathlon. His answer was simple: eat more seafood.
He founded Sizzlefish in Ayden, North Carolina, in 2012 first as a wholesale seafood business, solely catering to top-end grocery chains and restaurants. He then began determining how he could make it easier for consumers to get that high-quality seafood more directly. In response, he launched a direct-order arm and began shipping a few orders a week.
Today, Sizzlefish brings a selection of frozen fish and seafood to U.S. consumers’ doorsteps, including Alaska Chinook salmon, Alaska halibut, Chilean sea bass, sea scallops, and Gulf shrimp. The company also offers seafood gift packages containing Maine crab legs, seacuterie boards, and other seafood-themed items.
The operation has since grown exponentially – so much so that they have included new freezer storage units and fulfillment floors to keep up with sales growth, Mayo told SeafoodSource. Sizzlefish ships anywhere within the continental U.S., with most of its orders arriving between one and three days.
“Sustainability, accessibility, and convenience are possible!" Mayo said. “We make it easy for consumers to order great seafood delivered to their door, conveniently packaged for them to create healthy, satisfying meals."
Mayo said his company makes its seafood selections with sustainability and health-consciousness top of mind.
"Our mission is simple: We want you to eat well and live better," he wrote in a letter to his customers posted on the company's website. "We want you to enjoy both the health and performance benefits of fish, in the most consistently-delicious form that you’ve ever experienced. You can trust us to supply you with pure natural fish portions, with tools and tips for quick easy preparation, and with honest information about the benefits you are receiving from Sizzlefish products."
