From Our Kitchens to Your Plates
In 1951, Bill King Jr. opened Bay Island Seafood, which they eventually sold to other members of the family. Then in 1963, husband and wife team, Bill and Rolande purchased a Catonsville gas station and transformed the property into Sea King, another thriving seafood carryout. This was the first of several Sea King Carryouts to open during the next 12 years. The King's along with their son, Bill King III joined together forming a strong love of the restaurant business to establish the Sea King Carryouts, Pig Picker's Memphis Style Bar-B-Que, and then also the Crab Shanty Restaurant and Il Giardino Ristorante, both of which were Howard County favorites in their time. Over the years, as trends have changed, and the King family decided to expand into other areas; yet they have continued to operate their Sea King location in Ellicott City. As always, all spices, rubs and recipes are developed in-house and created to bring out the best of Maryland’s seafood. Sea King carries a complete menu of fresh fish, seafood, platters, sandwiches, sides and salads.
The business after being passed to Bill King III and his wife, MaryAnn, is now owned by their two children Michelle King-Best and Eric King, along with their significant others. Michelle earned her culinary degree from Scottsdale Culinary before returning to assist in management of Il Giardino. After Il Giardino, Michelle decided to gain some experience in other aspects of the foodservice sector, before pursuing other interests. Eric has been in foodservice his entire life. Working through school, he has risen from his beginnings as a dishwasher all the way through management. Eric has taken some time away from the family business to attain his bachelor’s degree in Finance and a master’s degree from the famed Cornell Hotel School, as well as gaining valuable experience with the world-renowned Greenbrier Resort. Eric has also done foodservice and business consulting for some well-known restaurants in the New York City Area. After returning home in 2004, he has focused on ensuring that the operations are running smoothly and are meeting the strict food quality and customer service standards that King's have been known for.
And don’t forget the crabs! Everybody loves ’em and we’ve got ’em! From crabs to lobster—raw or prepared. Sea King makes superb what nature makes delicious!
Maryland is the place for seafood and we make it our family business to bring you the best. Whether you’re planning a party or picking up a complete dinner-to-go you’ll always be more than satisfied at Sea King Seafood Markets!