Finding high-quality, fresh seafood is a priority for many residents and visitors in Louisiana. B&J Seafood has established itself as a reliable source for local catches, offering everything from live crawfish to fresh-off-the-boat shrimp. This guide provides the essential contact information, location details, and menu expectations you need to plan your next visit or order.
Locations and Operating Hours
B&J Seafood operates primarily in the Hammond and Chalmette areas. Knowing the specific hours for each location is important, as seafood availability and market hours can shift depending on the day of the week and the season.
Hammond and Ponchatoula Area
The Hammond location serves as a hub for those in the Tangipahoa Parish area. It is well-known for providing both fresh retail seafood and prepared items during the peak seasons.
- Phone: 985-350-1400
- Email: [email protected]
- Sunday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
Chalmette Location
For those closer to the New Orleans area, the Chalmette branch offers a convenient location for fresh Louisiana seafood. This site is frequently visited by locals looking for bulk orders for family boils.
- Address: 3211 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA 70043
- Phone: 504-277-4888
What to Expect on the Menu
While specific inventory changes daily based on the catch, B&J Seafood typically focuses on the core staples of the Gulf Coast. Their menu is divided between fresh market items that you can cook at home and prepared items that are ready to eat.
Fresh Market Items
The market side of the business provides raw ingredients for your own kitchen. You will commonly find fresh shrimp (various sizes/head-on or headless), seasonal blue crabs, and a variety of local fish fillets such as catfish, redfish, or snapper. During the spring, live crawfish are the primary draw, sold by the sack for traditional boils.
Boiled and Prepared Seafood
During the appropriate seasons, you can find hot, boiled seafood seasoned with traditional Louisiana spices. This often includes:
- Boiled Crawfish: Usually sold by the pound with sides like corn and potatoes.
- Boiled Shrimp: Spicy and easy to peel, available year-round but best during peak harvest.
- Boiled Crabs: Typically available in the summer and fall months.
How to Contact B&J Seafood
If you are planning a large event or want to check the current price of crawfish, it is always best to call ahead. Prices in the seafood industry fluctuate daily based on supply and demand. Using the phone numbers provided for the specific location you plan to visit is the most direct way to get accurate pricing.
For non-urgent inquiries, such as questions about wholesale opportunities or general business information, you can reach out via their central email address. They also maintain an active presence on social media platforms, where they often post daily specials or announcements regarding new shipments of seasonal items.
Tips for Buying Fresh Seafood
When visiting a market like B&J Seafood, knowing how to select the best product ensures you get the most value for your money. Here are some simple guidelines to follow when shopping for fresh seafood.
Checking for Freshness
For whole fish, look for clear, bright eyes and shiny skin. The flesh should feel firm to the touch and spring back when pressed. For shrimp and shellfish, there should be no “ammonia” smell; fresh seafood should smell like the ocean or clean saltwater. If you are buying live crawfish or crabs, ensure they are active and moving, as this is the only way to guarantee they are fresh before boiling.
Understanding Seasonality
In Louisiana, seafood is highly seasonal. Purchasing items during their natural peak ensures better flavor and lower prices. Generally, crawfish season runs from January through June, while blue crabs are best from June through August. Shrimp harvests happen at various times throughout the year, but the largest brown shrimp are usually caught in the early summer.
Storage and Transportation
If you are traveling a long distance from the market, always bring a cooler with ice. Fresh seafood is highly perishable and should be kept as close to 32 degrees Fahrenheit as possible without freezing. Once you get home, try to cook fresh seafood within 24 to 48 hours for the best culinary experience.
Why Local Seafood Matters
Choosing a local provider like B&J Seafood supports the regional economy and the fishing families who work the Gulf waters. Local seafood is often processed less and travels shorter distances than imported alternatives, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint and a fresher product on your plate. By shopping at local markets, you are helping to preserve the unique culinary heritage of the Gulf Coast.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a sack of live crawfish for a weekend boil or just a few pounds of fresh shrimp for dinner, B&J Seafood provides the variety and quality expected of a Louisiana institution. By using the contact information and location details provided, you can ensure your next seafood purchase is convenient and successful. For more tips on preparing your catch or finding the best local services in your area, feel free to explore our other helpful guides and articles.