Local

Columbia’s 57-year-old seafood market and restaurant closes

By Jeff Wilkinson
COLUMBIA, SC

Palmetto Seafood Co., which has operated on Gervais Street near Five Points in Columbia for nearly 60 years, has closed.

A sign on the door said it was due to a death of one of owner Lucius and Addie Moultrie’s sons. The Moultries could not be reached for comment.

Moultrie had been a customer at the Palmetto Seafood Co. for more than 20 years when owner Ralph Floyd, who opened the market in 1961, spoke to him about buying the business.

Palmetto Seafood Co. owner Lucius Moultrie talks with customer Mike Crawford whohe has known for over 25 years after filling his order.
Palmetto Seafood Co. owner Lucius Moultrie talks with customer Mike Crawford whohe has known for over 25 years after filling his order. C. ALUKA BERRY

Moultrie had just retired from the Columbia Fire Department after 26 years and had always dreamed of owning his own business.

So in April 1997, after discussing the idea with his family, Moultrie bought the market

He painted it blue

Customers make their way by the Palmetto Seafood Company on Gervais Street after buying a boxof oysters. The store which first opened in 1961 is now owned by LuciusMoultrie who bought the business in 1997.
Customers make their way by the Palmetto Seafood Company on Gervais Street after buying a boxof oysters. The store which first opened in 1961 is now owned by LuciusMoultrie who bought the business in 1997. C. ALUKA BERRY

and added a kitchen.

-Lucius Moultrie, right, owner of PalmettoSeafood Company, cooks up some fried fish.
-Lucius Moultrie, right, owner of PalmettoSeafood Company, cooks up some fried fish. Gerry Melendez

Soon the business was known for its homemade tartar sauce, hushpuppies and catfish stew among other seafood favorites.

By Thursday, the store’s Facebook page, website and telephone had been disabled.

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