Cameron's Seafood Market

Cameron's Seafood Market

Company type	Private
Industry	Seafood retail and distribution
Founded	1985
Founder	Allen Manesh
Headquarters	Rockville , United States
Area served	Maryland, Pennsylvania, United States (nationwide delivery)
Key people	Cameron (president)
Products	Maryland Blue Crabs, crab cakes, shrimp, seafood products
Number of employees	8 (online operation)

Cameron's Seafood Market operates as both a seafood dining chain and a wholesale distribution service, with its headquarters located in Rockville, Maryland. Established in 1985 as a family-owned business, it has grown to include several outlets throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania, featuring food trucks and offering nationwide delivery. The company stands as the leading retailer of Maryland Blue Crabs and crab cakes in the United States, annually distributing more than 150,000 crab cakes, half a million pounds of shrimp, and 75,000 bushels of live blue crabs.

Serving over one million customers, Cameron's Seafood Market achieves close to $20 million in yearly revenue. Its products gained acclaim when Forbes named them among the top "Best Food Gifts of 2017," highlighting the brand’s significant presence and reputation within the seafood sector.

History

The origin of Cameron's dates back to 1985 when Allen Manesh, an Iranian American who immigrated to the U.S. in 1975, founded the company. Initially engaged in real estate through Ideal Realty Group, Manesh expanded into the food industry by opening a fruit stand in Rockville with his brother Bijan. After conducting market analysis and receiving guidance from a sea captain, he transitioned to seafood retail under the name inspired by his son Cameron. Over time, the enterprise grew to include multiple restaurant venues, food trucks, and wholesale services. By 2017, Cameron's operated approximately twelve locations across Maryland and Pennsylvania, including four mobile food trucks.

The company procures crabs directly from Chesapeake Bay harvesters and distributors. Daily shipments arrive at their Rockville facility for sorting and steaming processes. Cameron's holds the "True Blue Maryland Crab Meat" certification awarded by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, underscoring its dedication to quality standards. During Maryland’s off-season from December through March, crabs are sourced from flash-frozen reserves or transported from states such as North Carolina, Florida, Texas, or Louisiana.

The Capital Heights store leads in revenue generation with annual sales reaching $3.5 million. Located near FedExField stadium, its sales increase by 50% on Washington Redskins game days due to fans purchasing bushels of crabs to bring into the venue.

Online store

In June 2017, Cameron’s Seafood Market expanded into e-commerce under the leadership of the founders’ sons—cousins Cameron (37) and Peymon (28)—to distribute seafood products nationwide. Their online catalog features both raw and prepared seafood items alongside ingredients and recipe offerings. Cameron serves as president of the family’s real estate firm and holds a degree in business management and finance from University of Maryland.

Online sales were projected to reach $2.1 million in 2018. The digital operation employs eight full-time workers, collaborates with over a dozen fishing teams, and manages its own food preparation facility. Deliveries cover all 50 states, targeting former Maryland residents, athletes, and consumers interested in high-protein nutrition. Notably, ex-NBA player Gilbert Arenas reportedly purchases $2,000 worth of crab meat monthly. In 2017, the company’s products earned recognition on Forbes magazine’s "Best Food Gifts" list.

See also

• List of seafood restaurants