Our Story

“Do you want to sell shrimp…”

With a desire to do something more with his shrimp, Kenneth Garcia recruited his sister Regina Garcia Peña in 1998 to sell his extra inventory. Shortly after, his brother Anthony and father Edward Sr. came on board to create Philly Seafood. The men wanted to have more control over their shrimp production, but it was Regina who was determined to change the way the company did business. She shifted the organization from just selling shrimp to developing a brand that represented the family's values of hard work, quality, and dedication. 

Skit skat skiddily dee come on Philly Dance with me

Philly Seafood is a family business with a family name. Regina's son, Daniel Phillip Peña III, lost his life in a tragic accident when he was four years old. While establishing Philly Seafood (before it had a name) Regina told Kenneth that she wanted to name the company after her late son. “I want his name to always be said… this is a memorial for my boy.” Daniel Phillip “Philly” is remembered for his kind spirit, his love for soft things and his performance and dancing skills.

Regina takes great pride in the company's image and reputation because her son's memory is intertwined with the organization. The company's success and growth are based on the fundamental principles of integrity, quality and service. It manages the harvest, production, packaging, marketing and selling of the shrimp from family-owned boats. Philly Seafood is now a recognized brand in the seafood landscape across the United States.

Way back in 1952…

It began in 1952 when their parents, Antonia and Edward “Lalo” Garcia Sr. bought their first shrimp boat, Texas 18. Edward was the first Hispanic shrimp boat owner in Matagorda Bay. Shortly after getting into the business, his trawler was destroyed in an act of violence. Within 6 months, Lalo saved up his money and purchased his second boat, Texas 1. Over the years, life for the Texas shrimper has had its highs and lows. During the 1960s, the shrimping industry was very profitable. Operating expenses were low and the catch was bountiful. By the 1970s, there was a change in the tide. The soaring price of fuel, higher interest rates and the movement to steel hull boats dramatically increased the costs of boat production and ownership. Difficult times continued through the early 1980s, forcing many in the industry out of business. However, with strategic planning and dedication, Lalo was able to pull through, while others were not so fortunate.

The family business began to change dramatically in the mid-'80s when his sons started to expand the company. They had always worked with the boats, but they were now becoming boat owners. As time passed, the number of vessels grew to make the Garcia fleet the largest privately owned group in the United States. The partnerships now extend to harvesting, producing, marketing and selling their shrimp. Shrimping is the way of life for our family and it is a life we take great pride in!