In a legal battle involving 25 Lowcountry restaurants accused of misleading customers about the source of their shrimp, Hymans Seafood has reached a resolution with the South Carolina Shrimpers Association. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Charleston, claimed that several restaurants falsely marketed imported shrimp as local, leading to potential damages and a push for clearer shrimp sourcing labels at the state level.
Background of the Lawsuit
The South Carolina Shrimpers Association filed the lawsuit seeking an injunction and monetary damages against the restaurants named in the complaint. The association also advocated for a state law requiring restaurants to clearly disclose whether their shrimp is locally sourced or imported. Among the 25 restaurants named were well-known establishments like Page’s Okra Grill, Red’s Icehouse, and Saltwater Cowboys.
Hymans Seafood’s Response
Hymans Seafood issued a statement to News 2, clarifying that they did not knowingly advertise local shrimp. The restaurant claimed that the issue arose from a miscommunication with a third-party media advertising agency that handles their social media. The agency allegedly posted advertisements stating that Hymans served local shrimp during certain shrimp seasons without the restaurant’s knowledge.
In the statement, Hymans Seafood explained, “At no point in time did Hymans Seafood knowingly advertise that we had local shrimp… Had we been made aware of these posts, we absolutely would have edited them or removed them.”
The restaurant emphasized their commitment to being transparent with customers, noting that they have always clearly stated the origin of their shrimp when asked.
Resolution and Joint Press Release
After discussions between the restaurant and the South Carolina Shrimpers Association, a formal resolution was reached. Both parties issued a joint press release stating that the situation was unintentional and praised Hymans for their willingness to cooperate. In the release, Victor and Tobias Hyman, representatives of the restaurant, said, “We’ve listened, learned, and made the decision to do more, because we believe in doing right by our customers, and by our community.”
The Shrimpers Association also expressed appreciation for Hymans’ commitment to supporting the local shrimping industry moving forward.
Impact on the Lawsuit and Remaining Restaurants
While Hymans Seafood has resolved its involvement in the lawsuit, 24 other restaurants named in the complaint, including Page’s Okra Grill and Red’s Icehouse, are still part of the ongoing legal proceedings. The lawsuit continues to move forward in federal court.
What Diners Think About “Local Shrimp”
At Shem Creek, a popular spot for shrimp lovers, diners expressed their opinions on the importance of local shrimp. Tim Haines, a visitor from Hanahan, explained, “When I want local shrimp, I’m absolutely willing to shell out more money, because I know it supports the local business guys. And yeah, frankly, it usually tastes better too.”
Hymans Seafood is the first restaurant to publicly resolve its role in the shrimp sourcing lawsuit. While the lawsuit continues for the remaining restaurants, the case has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of local seafood and the transparency needed in marketing. The restaurant industry, especially in coastal regions, faces increasing pressure to ensure clarity about the origins of their ingredients, particularly when it comes to seafood that is deeply tied to the community.
