Family-owned spot for Southern-fried seafood has closed in Charlotte — here’s what’s next

Bryant’s Seafood Fresh Market recently closed its doors, marking the end — for now — of a three-year run for a business that dedicated its efforts to bringing fresh seafood to the surrounding community.

Bryant’s Seafood, located on David Cox Road off of W.T. Harris Boulevard, is owned and operated by South Carolina-born Wayne Lamar Bryant Jr., or L.J. for short.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity and idea to put a fresh seafood market that I could give back to my community on that side of town,” Bryant told CharlotteFive in August.

New location in the works

Now, Bryant tells us he’s hoping to reopen later this year in a new location. “Bryant’s Seafood will hopefully be back in operation soon, new location, new items on the menu, and hopefully a sit-down option. You know — just trying to trying to conquer the world,” he said on Friday afternoon.

“The sit-down option will make a difference when you’re trying to eat crab legs,” he added.

He said he plans to stay nearby, looking at locations near W.T. Harris Boulevard and Lakeview Road, closer to Northlake Mall.

The eatery and market mostly serves fresh-caught, North Carolina-sourced fish alongside a variety of platters with fried seafood and Southern sides including hushpuppies, mac and cheese and coleslaw.

“I want to thank Charlotte for supporting Bryant’s Seafood, from the patrons to the you all to everybody that supports us. I consider everyone that came in that door family. I’m not originally from Charlotte, but you make me feel like I am,” Bryant told CharlotteFive on Friday.

Bryant Seafood Market

Location: 3509 David Cox Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28269 (closed)

Cuisine: Fresh seafood, Southern-style fried fish platters

Alex Cason contributed reporting, and Melissa Oyler contributed.

This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 6:00 AM.