In this episode, Jon and Mary Kate Walker, owners of Tides Seafood Market and Provisions in Safety Harbor, Florida, discuss their journey of opening a seafood market and restaurant. They emphasize the importance of local sourcing, supporting community farmers, and cross-utilizing products. The Walkers share insights on overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolution of their business from counter service to a full-service restaurant. Their commitment to quality, passion for food, and adaptability are key to their success.
Listen to the podcast episode here!
Meet Jon and Mary Kate Walker, the powerhouse couple behind The Tides Seafood Market and Provisions in Safety Harbor, Florida. In just two and a half years, they’ve managed to create a restaurant that has become one of the best in Tampa Bay. Tune in to our podcast to hear how they did it and why their passion and belief in their mission are so compelling.
From Corporate Life to Local Success
Jon and Mary Kate’s journey began in 2020, a year of uncertainty for many. Jon, previously managing major seafood distribution centers, found himself part of a corporate reorganization. Faced with a decision to either relocate for another corporate job or try something new, they chose the latter. With zero restaurant experience, they decided to open a seafood market, seeing it as a “Covid-proof” essential business. Their dedication and belief in local sourcing led to the birth of The Tides Seafood Market and Provisions.
Building a Market and Restaurant from Scratch
Jon and Mary Kate had a vision to create a market and eatery that celebrates local produce and supports small businesses. They source products from 35-40 local vendors, including farmers, fishermen, and artisans. This commitment to local sourcing ensures the freshest ingredients and supports the community. Their unique approach of cross-utilizing market products in the restaurant has been a key factor in their success.
Local Sourcing and Farm-to-Table Philosophy
The Tides’ commitment to local sourcing is the heart of their business. By partnering with local farms and ranches, they offer a true farm-to-table experience that highlights Tampa Bay’s best produce. This not only supports small businesses but also guarantees high-quality meals for their customers. Their farm-to-table approach ensures that everything from vegetables to meats is fresh and locally sourced, providing a unique and authentic dining experience.
Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Mistakes
Starting with zero experience came with its own set of challenges. From managing unsold produce to learning the intricacies of running a market and restaurant, Jon and Mary Kate faced many obstacles. Their ability to pivot and adapt was crucial. They learned to be proactive, using unsold market produce in their restaurant menu, thus minimizing waste and maximizing resources. This adaptability has been a cornerstone of their growth and success.
Community and Hospitality
For Jon and Mary Kate, it’s not just about serving food—it’s about building relationships. They aim to be the bridge between their customers and local vendors, sharing the stories behind the produce and products they sell. Their southern hospitality and commitment to quality have made them a beloved part of the community. By creating a welcoming atmosphere and fostering genuine connections, they’ve built a loyal customer base.
Future Plans and Consistency
Looking ahead, Jon and Mary Kate are focused on maintaining the high standards that have made The Tides a success. They’ve recently hired a consultant to document processes, ensuring that their quality remains consistent as they consider expansion. Their goal is to replicate their success without compromising on quality, whether at their original location or future branches. Consistency in quality and service is key to their growth strategy.
Join Us for More
If you’re enjoying this podcast, screenshot the episode and tag us to let us know what you love. Your support has helped us reach 10,000 downloads, and we’re excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories. Now, let’s dive into our chat with Jon and Mary Kate Walker and learn more about their incredible journey.
Their Story
Jon and Mary Kate’s journey is a testament to passion, hard work, and community spirit. Jon, with his background in managing seafood distribution, and Mary Kate, a dedicated stay-at-home mom, combined their strengths to create a unique market and eatery. They opened The Tides with a vision to offer high-quality, locally sourced seafood and provisions, supporting local farmers and artisans.
The Concept
The Tides Seafood Market and Provisions is more than just a restaurant. It’s a community hub where local produce and high-quality seafood come together. They cross-utilize market products in their restaurant, ensuring everything is fresh and nothing goes to waste. This farm-to-table philosophy is evident in every dish, offering customers a unique dining experience that celebrates local flavors.
Challenges and Triumphs
Starting with no experience, Jon and Mary Kate faced numerous challenges. From managing unsold produce to learning the ropes of running a market and restaurant, their journey has been filled with learning opportunities. Their ability to pivot and adapt, using unsold market produce in their restaurant menu, has been crucial to their success. This proactive approach has allowed them to minimize waste and maximize resources, turning challenges into triumphs.
The Future
Jon and Mary Kate have big plans for the future. They’re focused on maintaining the high standards that have made The Tides a success while considering expansion. They’ve recently hired a consultant to document processes, ensuring consistency in quality and service. Their goal is to offer the same exceptional experience at future locations, staying true to their commitment to quality and community.
Conclusion
Jon and Mary Kate’s story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with passion, hard work, and a commitment to quality. Tune into our podcast to hear more about their journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their plans for the future. Whether you’re a foodie, a local business supporter, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.
CONNECT WITH MARY KATE & JON:
- Instagram: @thetidesmarket
- Website: www.thetidesmarket.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/thetidesmarket/
CONNECT WITH DONNIE:
- Follow Donnie: @donnie.hathaway
- Follow Palm Harbor Local: @PalmHarborLocal
- For more real estate information – www.thehathaway.group
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Together, we keep Palm Harbor local.
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