We had the good fortune of connecting with Renea Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renea, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
This is a pretty deep question believe it or not because I’ve always seen myself as an entrepreneur, but I did not see myself in this lane. I believed I could do it, but didn’t know when or how. So to specifically answer the question, the thought process came from understanding that ownership is key. We live in the richest country in the world and yet I did not see that I owned much of anything. I wanted to achieve something. I wanted to show my children it was possible at any age, with any flaw.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner of Crustacean House Catering and Mobile Food Service. We specialize in seafood, particularly crab boils, which are the best in town! There are other menu items which you can find on CrustaceanHouse.com, but our top sellers are our Alfredos, Shrimp and Grits, Crawfish nachos, Mac and Cheese, Cajun Seafood Rice, and the Red Snapper. Our signature Sauce sells separately and is a hit on any protein, vegetable, or even a salty snack. We offer weekly service for food order pick up every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in Lawrenceville, Ga. We have been in operation since August 2020, and from then until now we’ve managed to be a part of some of our customers most significant moments. We’ve been present for birthdays, weddings, family gatherings, corporate events, essential employee appreciation events etc. This isn’t something that I take for granted because I understand how important food is at any event, no matter the size. A significant accomplishment that took place in 2021, was the purchase of the business food truck. Crustacean House is now able to meet you where you are by bringing our delicious menu items to an event near you. In order to book the food truck, those interested can reach out to contact@crustaceanhouse.com.

What sets us apart is our care and concern for the quality of our food and ensuring that excellence is achieved from the initial contact until the order walks out of the door. Being a foodie myself, I have a distinct appreciation for food. For me, sitting down to eat is an experience. I like food that makes you smile. Food should make you do little dance or if you get a little sauce on your chin, it’s okay because it’s just that good. We value the experience and want to bring people back to knowing what quality tastes like. We want you to be excited about eating Crustacean House and we love when we get messages and reviews saying how much people enjoyed the food.

We’ve arrived at this place in the business by sheer grace. Crustacean House was not my idea, I truly feel like this was something God wanted me to do. The way that it happened was so unique, I could not have come up with it on my own. Crustacean House was birthed out of a Facebook post. The moment I made that post, the business was created. I actually had another plan for a food service business but sometimes our plans are not the best plans. Was it easy, initially, yes! When God creates a path for you, everything is not hard. Not to say that everything is perfect, but it’s easier. As a believer, I am still learning that it’s better with obedience. I implore everyone to submit to the vision that God has for them. Your intuition or discernment is active for a reason. It is a 100% true, that your gift will make room for you, and when it does, allow yourself to go with it even if it wasn’t your original plan.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend…Well this is going to be fun! Right away, food is important. Breakfast would include locations like Maple Street biscuit, The Atlanta Breakfast club, and the flying biscuit. Activities would include zip lining at Treetop, a day at Six Flags, a comedy club, and a trip to Whole World Improv. To round out the experience, we’ll take a trip to Chateau Elan for some relaxation. Dinner and lunch would include places like The Bliss Bar and lounge, Theory lounge, and Suite lounge. We’d definitely make time to shop and support local black owned and minority businesses during the week long visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m so excited that this was asked. I love recognizing the impact that others have on your life. My shoutout is dedicated to my father and my children. These relationships are so significant because they have shaped who I am. A young girl being raised by a father is a unique experience. It allowed me to have an advantage that I didn’t realize I had until later in life. The advantage was the ability to compartmentalize, remove emotion when necessary, and operate effectively in almost any environment because of confidence. Men carry a different type of confidence than women, not better, just different. So I’m grateful that I was able to have my father, an amazing man, willingly and lovingly pour into me.

I’d also like to dedicate this Shoutout to my beautiful children, Brooklynn and Justin. These 2 have changed me forever and for the better. They show me myself, allow me room to grow, and they have given me an opportunity to feel like I’ve done something right in this life. I may have messed up on quite a few things, but in being a mom, I think I’m doing alright. I appreciate their love for me and am surprised by how much they encourage me. Sometimes I feel like they really get it, which is weird because my daughter is 19 and my son is only 11 but they are vey intelligent. So I thank God for giving them to me, and I offer them a huge thank you for staying with me on this crazy journey and I promise to continue giving them the best of everything that I have.

Website: https://www.crustaceanhouse.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crustaceanhouse/?hl=en

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Crustacean-House-103127598397966/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYwT13isuv35qxjwjXV6Lw

Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEFyMHbDwzTqpfnSM_N0Pew

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