Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood
Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood
By: Kristin O’Neill & Tony Mascino
In Sarasota, Florida, Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood has become a trusted destination for customers seeking fresh, high-quality seafood and exceptional service. Owned and operated by Chef Rich Demarse, alongside his wife Kim Demarse, the family-run business has earned a loyal following by focusing on consistency, freshness, and community.
Located near the Gulf Gate and Beneva Road area, close to some of Sarasota’s most established neighborhoods, Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood began as an unexpected venture during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. After spending more than 25 years as a chef and a lifetime working in the seafood industry-including time as a commercial fisherman-Rich found himself selling blue crabs on the side of the road. What started as a small operation quickly gained momentum as local demand for fresh seafood, particularly Maryland-style crab products, continued to grow.
Today, Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood operates as a premier seafood market offering fresh seafood, prepared foods, takeout options, and a full-service catering menu for private events and gatherings. While the market currently has no seating, future expansion plans include a larger market space, dine-in seating, and potentially a raw bar concept.
“Our focus has always been quality,” says Chef Rich. “People want seafood they can trust, and consistency means everything.”
That commitment to quality extends to every product sold. Chef Rich works directly with local commercial fishermen to source seafood straight off the boat whenever possible, ensuring peak freshness. He also relies on Samuels Seafood Company for a diverse selection of products, a partnership that began with a recommendation from a fellow chef. Rich credits sales representative Frank Passio for providing responsive service, fair pricing, and dependable quality.
The market carries an impressive variety of seafood, including oysters, clams, salmon, crab, and much more. Rich continuously follows seafood trends and culinary inspiration from fellow chefs and social media, incorporating new ideas while remaining true to his commitment to fresh, quality ingredients.
Among the most popular offerings are the Maryland-style crab cakes, a customer favorite that reflects Rich’s seafood expertise and appreciation for East Coast flavors. Clams Casino is another top seller, along with other prepared seafood specialties.
For Chef Rich, however, success goes beyond seafood. He credits much of the business’s growth to his wife Kim, who serves as Director of Operations for the front-of-house, Director of Sales, and Catering Manager. “She supported me from day one and told me to go for it,” he says.
As Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood continues to grow, its mission remains simple: provide fresh seafood, outstanding customer service, and a family-owned experience that keeps customers coming back. Open year-round, the market encourages phone orders and pre-orders—and some days, they simply close when they sell out. That’s the kind of freshness customers have come to expect from Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood.
