Jaseam Brooks, the owner of Elgin Seafood, has brought a unique culinary venture to Elgin, South Carolina, combining a seafood market with a full-service restaurant. This establishment, which opened in November 2024, caters to the community’s demand for fresh seafood options, offering both raw and cooked selections.
Brooks, originally from the Bronx, New York, relocated to the Columbia area and graduated from Camden High School in 1993. He pursued higher education at Charleston Southern University, majoring in sociology, and served in the National Guard as a heavy equipment operator. His entrepreneurial journey began at age 23 with his first restaurant, followed by diverse ventures including a barber shop, a bar and grill, and a box truck business. This varied experience underscores his adaptability and business acumen, culminating in the launch of Elgin‘s Seafood.
Elgin Seafood, located at 1100 Rose Street, Elgin, SC 29045, operates six days a week: Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., remaining closed on Mondays. Customers can contact the restaurant at 803-572-0231 or contact the restaurant through its Facebook page.
The restaurant’s menu is diverse, featuring popular items such as flounder, shrimp, scallops, oysters, and seafood platters, complemented by side items like cold slaw, potatoes, salad, french fries, and fried okra. It offers customers the flexibility to purchase raw seafood for home cooking or to purchase cookedto-order menu items, catering to both dine-in and take-out preferences.
Additionally, it provides catering services for large orders, though these are available for pick-up only.
This dual market and restaurant model sets Elgin Seafood apart from typical dining establishments in the area.
Community Engagement and Future Plans Brooks emphasizes community engagement, describing Elgin‘s Seafood as a family business that “loves and embraces the community.” He aims to provide excellent customer service and a welcoming atmosphere, highlighting food’s role in bringing people together. His vision includes expanding the restaurant’s offerings, such as adding more products and potentially building a deck area to enhance the dining experience. This focus on customer satisfaction is evident in his commitment to maintaining a clean establishment and responding to community needs, particularly in an area he identified as lacking a wide variety of food options.
Despite the challenges of starting a new business, Brooks notes the community’s supportive response, which has been crucial in the restaurant’s first four months of operation. He acknowledges learning experiences, such as navigating customer feedback, and remains optimistic.
The community has been very supportive, and I’m thankful for their patronage,” Brooks says.
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Jaseam Brooks, the owner of Elgin‘s Seafood
April 23, 2025 | Carolina Panorama (Columbia, SC)
Page: CP1 | Section: News