Skrimp Shack on Central Avenue is now open and has a fish “samwich” that’s as big as your face

Chaz Crenshaw, owner of the Eastway franchise, calls himself the “Skrimp King.” He’s a character, and plays it up on social media. Since he’s opened he’s partnered with other Black-owned businesses to bring awareness to their work — for instance, the other day he took to Instagram to promote the work of Honey Butter Bakery. Specifically, he raved about their sweet potato cheesecake. “Now, let me rewind: I said sweet potato cheesecake,” he said.

Crenshaw says he and his wife, Wanda, have been taken aback by the support for the Eastway location in its first two months — he also owns the Skrimp Shack in Pineville. Business has been steady, even with the pandemic.

Part of that is the attention he pays his customers: “Everybody is someone when they come through that door.”

Food: The menu features “samwiches,” po’boys, baskets, and tacos. Not to mention their delicious sides. “Samwiches” range from $6.45 to $12.45, po’boys $9.75 to $11.75, baskets $7.95 to $18.25, and all tacos are $7.45. Sides can be added to each meal and range from $1.50 to $4.95.

If it’s your first time visiting the Skrimp Shack, you might have a hard time deciding what to get, so…

Here are the three most popular menu items at Skrimp Shack:

• Whiting “Samwich” ($6.85) — 3/4-pound Whiting fish on a jumbo sesame seed bun with a house recipe tartar sauce on the side.
• Skrimp Po’ Boy ($9.75) — 6-inch hoagie roll filled with skrimp and covered with either a spicy or mild secret sauce.

• Skrimp dinner basket ($18.25) — your choice of fried, grilled, or blackened skrimp (20 count) with a side and a drink.

Layout/Vibe: If the name didn’t already give it away, this is a homespun, no-frills seafood joint that serves fish and shrimp. Unlike its predecessor locations, this Skrimp Shack is a stand-alone storefront that encourages customers to eat in rather than solely carry out. There’s even a back patio area that can be rented out and used as an event space. Tables are socially distanced and floor markings are used to denote six feet between patrons while waiting in line.

Location/Hours: Skrimp Shack’s newest location is 3718 Central Avenue. It’s open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 Let’s check out the grub.

[Related Agenda Story: Skrimp Shack, the “Five Guys of fried seafood,” now open in Pineville]