A Dock-to-Dinner Lowcountry Legacy

Buying shrimp shouldn’t feel like a seafood-themed trust fall. Is it fresh? Is it local? Was it swimming near the dock this morning, or frozen somewhere three zip codes ago? At Gay Fish Company, Inc. on St. Helena Island, the answer is refreshingly simple: the shrimp is fresh, locally caught, and sold by people who’ve been doing this long enough to know exactly what should be on your plate.

Founded in 1948 by Buster Gay, Gay Fish Company has spent more than 75 years becoming part of the Lowcountry’s rhythm. The family-run, 100% veteran-owned small business is now carried on by Buster’s children and grandchildren, who keep the dock-to-table tradition alive with fresh, wild-caught shrimp and locally sourced seafood. Their slogan, “Veteran Owned Small business serving you since 1948,” fits because this isn’t a seafood counter trying to look historic. It is historic. They even sold shrimp to Paramount Pictures for the filming of Forrest Gump, which feels about as Lowcountry-famous as a shrimp business can get.

The shop also gives customers more than dinner’s main event, with seasonings, spices, locally made key lime pies, and gourmet cookies rounding out the haul. It’s practical, personal, and rooted in the kind of family legacy that can’t be manufactured. Gay Fish Company’s 2026 Best of South Carolina Award feels less like a surprise and more like a proper nod to a business that’s been feeding locals, visitors, fishermen, and families for generations.

Contact Information

Phone: 843-838-2763 

Address: 1948 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, SC 29920

Website: gayfishcompanyinc.com