Here’s the Dish Restaurant Profile: Capt’n Chucky’s Store A Family Dream Come True
Opening and running their own store was something the Vassalotti family had always dreamed of but never planned. When the opportunity arose with Capt’n Chucky’s Crab Cake Co., they jumped at the chance.
Chuck and Nancy Wojciehowski, who founded Capt’n Chucky’s, are longtime family friends and clients of the Vassalottis. When Chuck talked to them about opening the next Capt’n Chucky’s themselves, it was a no-brainer as they already had a strong love for the food and for the food industry. For the Vassalottis, Avalon was the only right answer for the new location.
The Vassalottis grew up in Avalon, therefore it just made sense for them to open their store in the town they loved so much, as their family had been there for generations. Not only is the beach right down the street, but for the Vassalottis the best part of owning a business in a small shore town is that it gives them the opportunity to truly get to know their customers and meet so many new people.
Avalon wouldn’t be the town it is if it weren’t for its family friendliness, which is exactly what this family-owned store embodies. John Vassalotti owns the store alongside his wife, Brittany, his brother, Joe, and his parents, Greg and Nancy. While working with family may seem like both a blessing and a curse, the Vassalotti family is a well-oiled machine, each with their own important role.
“I feel so lucky to have my family with me,” Brittany says. “My mom and mother-in-law have been my backbone of support. They run the store with me. My husband and brother-in-law worked on the weekends and helped me set up the store. My father-in-law does our books and office work. We all have different strengths, and together it just works. I would not have been able to do this without my family!”
As the store enters its fifth season, its mission and concept stay the same. Capt’n Chucky’s established itself with two things in mind: ease and affordability. It offers a wide range of seafood and sides, all of which can be ready in 15 minutes. Capt’n Chucky’s and the Vassalottis understand the summer is short, and people should be able to enjoy every moment of it. They want customers to enjoy the beach, the summer, their vacation, and their family time without having to worry about what’s for dinner. Therefore, they made it easy to pick up an amazing seafood meal.
Capt’n Chucky’s Crab Cake Co. at 3011 Dune Drive, Avalon, New Jersey opened in May of 2019 and is one of 18 locations, including Ocean City and Sea Isle. Capt’n Chucky’s will reopen for the 2023 season in May, so make sure to stop by during your visit to the shore.
