Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Wooten.
Hi Luke, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our story goes back to 1978 when my grandfather bought Monte’s Marina here in Mayport. He was a shrimper himself and also ran a charter boat, so the business really grew out of his firsthand experience on the water. Over time, he started our wholesale seafood distribution, selling directly from the docks to restaurants and markets across the area.
My parents, Chris and Deanna Wooten, built on that foundation and now own and operate the Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant — carrying on what my grandfather started and keeping it family-run. They’ve expanded beyond Mayport too, running Sliders Oyster Bar in Neptune Beach. It’s all still rooted in the same mission my grandfather had: to bring people the freshest local seafood possible and keep the Mayport fishing tradition alive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely had its ups and downs — we wouldn’t call it a smooth road by any means. Like so many others in the restaurant and seafood industry, getting through COVID was one of the toughest challenges we’ve faced. There were times when we really had to adapt quickly just to keep things moving. But through it all, our family and team pulled together, and the community continued to support us.
After decades of hard work, seeing how far Safe Harbor has come makes it all worth it. It’s been challenging at times, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Safe Harbor Seafood is best known for bringing the freshest Mayport shrimp to the community. What started decades ago on the docks in Mayport has grown into one of the largest seafood operations on the East Coast — and we’re proud to still be family owned and family run.
We specialize in shrimp processing and distribution, and today Safe Harbor is one of the largest processors and distributors of wild-caught shrimp on the East Coast of the United States. Everything we do centers on supporting American shrimpers and fishermen — many of whom unload their catch right at our own dock in Mayport.
My parents, Chris and Deanna Wooten, own and operate Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant, as well as Sliders Oyster Bar in Neptune Beach. Our family all works in the business together, each of us contributing in different ways to help it grow and continue our legacy. I graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Management, my sister earned her degree in Psychology from UF and went on to complete her master’s, and my mom has her master’s degree from UF as well — we actually graduated the same year, which is something really cool to us.
What truly sets us apart is our consistency — we’re committed to bringing the freshest, locally caught shrimp and fish directly to our customers through our market and restaurants. And now, with the launch of our nationwide shipping program, we’re able to share that same quality seafood with people across the country. It’s exciting to give everyone a taste of authentic Mayport shrimp, no matter where they live.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next five to ten years, I think we’re going to see some big changes in the shrimping industry — both good and bad. One of the biggest challenges right now is the amount of cheap imported shrimp coming into the U.S. It’s tough for American shrimpers who are out there working hard, following strict regulations, and trying to make an honest living. I think more people are starting to realize there’s a huge difference between imported farm-raised shrimp and wild-caught American shrimp — in the taste, the quality, and the story behind it.
At the same time, people care more now about where their food comes from. There’s this growing appreciation for local, traceable seafood, and that’s really what Safe Harbor is all about. Our customers can literally see the boats that brought in their shrimp that morning — there’s no mystery to it. I think that kind of transparency and trust is only going to become more important.
Technology is also changing things fast — especially how seafood gets processed and shipped. We’ve already launched nationwide shipping, and I think that direct-to-customer model is the future. It gives small, family businesses like ours the chance to share something local and authentic with people all over the country without losing what makes it special.
Overall, I think the industry’s going to lean more toward quality, sustainability, and pride in what we do. Shrimping will always have its ups and downs, but the folks who stay true to their roots — the ones who keep that real connection between the boats and the customers — those are the people who are going to make it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.safeharbor-seafood.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safeharbormayport/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safeharborseafood/
