HAMLET, N.C.—It’s Saturday afternoon and there’s nothing like grabbing something different for lunch. Just so happens that right up Highway 38 in Hamlet, there’s a place that will hit the spot for an unforgettable meal.
Welcome to Seafoodie, a food truck/restaurant, in downtown Hamlet. The owner and founder, Kendale Robinson, is a 1997 graduate of Marlboro County High School graduate. And his journey to operating the seafood business is almost as curvy as the road leading to the Raleigh Street location.
Robinson has been an Army soldier, attended college, became a nationally trained pharmacy technician, and worked for some of the largest healthcare systems in the country, including the University of North Carolina. But it was his time in Maryland that sparked a passion for seafood.
When you think Maryland styled seafood, crabs come to mind for most. And if you want to try one of Robinson’s crab cakes, you’re going to have to get to the Seafoodie early. Those cakes will sell out. And it’s probably because it’s more crab than cake and Robinson’s seasonings are more than just a sprinkle of Old Bay.
“So, when you say Maryland Style,” he said, “it’s an expectation that the seafood is really premium. It’s more so the type of seafood you’re going to get. You can get fresh seafood at the beach but you’re going to get a little bit different quality, of say your shrimp, in Maryland.”
When it comes to creating the different meals served at the Seafoodie, Robinson said he and his staff strive for the quality that he found in Maryland. And he got a good sampling of the cuisine while at Johns Hopkins. He said he ate seafood every day. Maybe that’s what it takes to fall for something, do it every day? Or perhaps, Robinson was finding his path by taking the long way to get there.
Because he’s done so many things, it’s clear to see that he’s picked up some great habits that make Seafoodie a popular stop in Hamlet. If you follow the Seafoodie on social media, which includes Facebook and Instagram, you see videos of satisfied customers, interactions with Robinson and his customers, and best of all — repeat visitors. Sitting outside on the patio, you see all types of seafood lovers eating, filming, and waiting to tell Robinson hello. Many times, he comes out and shakes hands with patrons.
“One of the things that we try to do is respect people’s money. If you buy something from me, because people work hard for their money, if you come and spend your money with me— I’m going to try to make sure that you’re satisfied…I respect the fact that you chose me over 100 other options. So, I’m going to try to make sure that customer is 100% satisfied.”
And he’s going to remember his customers, so when that person returns to Seafoodie, it’s like a homecoming to savor your favorite meal.
Robinson said he sells a lot of fish, shrimp, and crab cakes. And because he’s all about customer satisfaction, he’s added bone-in fish to the menu. And the bone-in fish isn’t his favorite. Like most of us from this area, Friday was the day when the fried croaker showed up for dinner.
“Growing up and eating so much croaker, I didn’t really want to do that, but based on what the customers wanted I had to,” he said.
While I’ve never had Seafoodie’s croaker, the flounder is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Coming up this week, Robinson said you can expect to see spots on the menu as well.
Want to head out to Seafoodie?
You can find Robinson at 111 Raleigh St., Hamlet.
Seafoodie is open Wed-Thur from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fri-Sat from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The food is made to order, so pack a side of patience when you visit.