Free Crab For First 100 At Joe's Crab Shack Opening

Joe’s Crab Shack will celebrate its grand opening on Route 58 in Riverhead soon -- and some lucky winners could go home with either a year, or a lifetime, worth of free crab.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new business, which set up shop in the location of the former Boulder Creek eatery, will take place at a soon-to-be-determined date. Check back to Patch for updates. 

The event will include free  crab for a year to the first 100 patrons in line on opening day and a special raffle -- one lucky guest will win free crab for life.

Donations to Autism Speaks will be accepted in exchange for coupons for complimentary appetizers, desserts, and entrees on their next visit.

The event will be hosted in conjunction with the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce.

“The Riverhead community knows good seafood, and now they can also experience the unique flavors of the Southern shore,” Joe’s Crab Shack General Manager Anne Bahr said. “We want to treat our new neighbors to a little Southern hospitality at our grand opening celebration with giveaways – including free crab for life – and an opportunity to help the kids and families supported by Autism Speaks.” 

Joe's Crab Shack offers a "100% Shore" menu, complete with Southern standards including steampots, seafood entrees and crab dishes featuring Dungeness, snow and king crab.

Founded in Houston in 1991, Joe’s Crab Shack locations can be found in 31 states. 

Construction on the new 9,500 square foot location involved demolishing the interior of the former Boulder Creek.

"We completely demolished the Boulder Creek appearance," Abraham Gonzalez, the project superintendent, told Patch in April. Everything from a new bar area to a new outdoor patio area to complete new duct work and refrigeration will be up and running once Joe's opens its doors.

General Manager Ann Bahr, a former TGI Friday's employee herself who most recently comes from Joe's Oceanside location, said that before the restaurant is up and running it's looking to hire anywhere from 140 to 160 staff members.

The experience at Joe's requires plenty of people to support it, she said.

"We like every guest to have what we call a 'Joe's craveable experience,'" she said, adding that every 45 minutes or so, guests can expect to see "dinner and a show." Watch a YouTube video of one show here.

For those looking for employment opportunities, check out the company's website for more information.