Seafood Establishments Surge During Lent in San Antonio
As the Lenten season unfolds, seafood restaurants in San Antonio experience a remarkable uptick in customer traffic, particularly on Fridays when many observe the tradition of abstaining from red meat. This phenomenon is vividly captured by Derek Still, co-owner of Smashin Crab, who notes, “When Lenten season hits, business goes bananas. There’s absolutely nothing like Lent in San Antonio.”
The Impact of Lent on Restaurant Traffic
During Lent, numerous Catholics and Protestants forego red meat on Fridays, yet seafood remains a popular choice. At Smashin Crab, this results in an overwhelming response, as patrons indulge in shellfish dishes like crawfish and shrimp. Still describes the scene as “barely controlled chaos,” emphasizing the restaurant’s need for full staff participation during these bustling days.
A Seasonal Business Perspective
Still, who has accrued over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, did not initially anticipate the extent of the Lenten influence on his business. After transitioning from restaurant roles in Los Angeles to managing Angry Crab Shack in Phoenix, he settled in San Antonio and quickly learned how Lenten season aligns with peak crawfish availability.
- January: Crawfish season kicks off, preparing restaurants for the influx of customers.
- March and April: Lent amplifies this customer surge, turning busy nights into frenzied service.
Popular Seafood Offerings During Lent
As the Lenten Fridays progress, a variety of seafood dishes gain popularity across local restaurants. For instance, Tenfold Rooftop, located in the Kimpton Santo Hotel, offers a special “10x Tour,” featuring chef-selected small plates from ten different regions, catering specifically to pescatarians.
Other restaurants like Fish City Grill also showcase seasonal dishes such as garlic caper salmon and a crab platter filled with shrimp, potatoes, corn, and crab legs, appealing to the growing customer base focused on seafood options during Lent. “The first two Fridays of Lent were great,” said Rocky Cheek, chef and executive general manager at Fish City Grill. “We saw a significant increase in customer traffic. This is a great time of year for the seafood industry.”
Community and Dining Experiences During Lent
As families flock to establishments like Smashin Crab, the dining experience extends beyond just food. Customers gather with loved ones, enjoying lengthy meals filled with laughter and camaraderie. “It’s a family place,” Still remarked. “When you are eating boils and you’re elbow deep in habanero sauce, you’re not going to be on your phone.”
During this season of reflection, patrons are mindful of their spiritual practices but still indulge in the joy of a good meal together. “People talk about the Lenten season. They’re going to be observant but they’re still going to come in and get great shrimp and their lips are going to be numb,” Still concluded, capturing the essence of a busy Lenten Friday.
