Topsail Steamer is making coastal holiday meals accessible nationwide with its make-at-home seafood steam pots, designed to simplify hosting during the festive season. The family-run company's Bay Buckets provide all components needed for a seafood feast, requiring only the addition of liquid before steaming and serving. This model offers a flavorful alternative to traditional holiday dishes like turkey and ham and addresses the increasing consumer desire for convenient, restaurant-quality meal options that minimize preparation time during busy periods.
The importance of this expansion lies in its democratization of specialized culinary experiences. "The holidays are the perfect time to bring loved ones together over great-tasting food and experiences," said Danielle Mahon, CEO and Founder of Topsail Steamer. "Our seafood steam pots help families create warm, coastal moments no matter where they celebrate." By offering nationwide shipping through Goldbelly, the company removes geographical barriers, allowing families outside its 11 physical locations across Alabama, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey, and North Carolina to participate. This is significant as it taps into the growing market for premium, delivered meal kits, especially during holidays when consumers seek to create memorable gatherings without the stress of complex cooking.
The business model itself carries implications for the food industry's adaptation to post-pandemic consumer habits. The distinctive process involves customers selecting seafood combinations at physical locations, where staff prepare single-use steam pots filled with fresh ingredients like NC shrimp, clams, crab, scallops, and lobster tail. This hybrid of retail and food service emphasizes freshness and customization while maintaining convenience. The company's recognition through appearances on Shark Tank and selection by Oprah for The O List: Summer Fun has bolstered its credibility, illustrating how media exposure can accelerate growth for niche food businesses.
Financially, the holiday promotion offering a $50 bonus card with a $100 gift card purchase on December 17, 2025, incentivizes early spending and customer loyalty. This strategy is crucial for cash flow during the peak holiday season and encourages trial among new customers. More details on this offer and general ordering are available at topsailsteamer.com. The broader implication is seen in the company's aggressive expansion plans, following a 2024 partnership with Elite Franchise Capital to develop over 40 new stores nationwide. This growth reflects a strategic response to sustained consumer interest in experiential dining at home, a trend that reshapes both restaurant and grocery sectors by blurring the lines between them.
Ultimately, Topsail Steamer's initiative matters because it exemplifies how small, woman-owned businesses can scale by leveraging technology, strategic partnerships, and shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and experience. It highlights a niche in the holiday food market that prioritizes quality and simplicity, potentially influencing other food providers to develop similar streamlined offerings. As families continue to seek ways to connect over meals without extensive labor, solutions like these steam pots may become increasingly integral to holiday traditions, supporting local seafood suppliers and fostering economic activity in coastal regions while meeting national demand.
