The Best Seafood Out There

Every time I drive by New England Lobster Company on Mitchell Avenue, I see customers walking out carrying cardboard boxes filled with live lobsters. If you've ever had a Maine lobster, you know what the buzz is about. Owner Marc Worrall, 47, takes pride in his lobster and seafood paradise and is thrilled that Peninsula residents appreciate his fresh product as much as he does.

Name: Marc Worrall

Age: 47

Business: New England Lobster Company

Address: 170 Mitchell Ave

Number of employees: 15

Products: Live lobsters, lobster tails, lobster meat, Dungeness Crab, shrimp, calamari, scallops, mussels, clams

How long have you been in business in South City?

We've been in South San Francisco since 1992, and before that we did business out of Burlingame for five years.

How did you get into the seafood business? Who or what inspired you?

I got started straight out of college; I had met a guy at San Diego State University who wanted to go into the seafood business. He was originally from Boston, Massachusetts and his sister had married a guy whose father was in the lobster business. So we went in business together and started selling lobster out of a truck in Burlingame.

What is so special and unique about live Maine lobsters?

Maine lobster is known as the best lobster in the world, according to a lot of chefs. It's great for us as a business because it is available all year round and they range in size for whatever our clients are looking for.

What is your favorite seafood dish?

My favorite seafood dish would have to be a simple boiled lobster or barbecued lobster with melted butter.

Has business changed in this economy?

Actually it has changed for the better. Ever since Whole Foods and other supermarkets took out their lobster tanks, more and more people come here and they're really excited that they can come buy lobster at a place like this.

Does most of your business come from restaurants/chefs or the public?

Most of our business comes from restaurants, retailers, and other wholesalers, and we also export our product. Chain stores seem to order a lot as well, as they're trying to get more customers into their stores.

How do you like doing business in South City?

South San Francisco is pretty good, we're even trying to expand here. A lot of city employees come here to buy product so we know they like having us here.

How do you see the business 10 years from now?

If it keeps going the way it is, more and more retailers will come and the business will grow even more. And the public is so excited to come here. Lots of customers tell me they don't buy seafood anywhere else now. They're very enthusiastic to come back.