Our Farm
We operate a family-run oyster farm called Chapel Creek Oyster Company. Our oysters are grown in the sheltered habitat of the Piankatank River in sight of the Chesapeake Bay. At first we were very small, but now we are growing and producing 250,000-to-300,000 world-class oyster a year.
Come to Mathews and see the farm and explore this ecosystem by booking a tour!
We are members of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Virginia Shellfish Growers Association and are in a partnership with Sensible Seafood through the VA aquarium. We also collect the empty shells from restaurants to be used by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation as part of their "Save Oyster Shell" program.
Our Oysters
We offer a top of the line oyster to the most discerning of palates. Many an oyster aficionado will choose our oyster over other world class oysters. Our oysters are noted for their Umami or savoriness; they have a buttery mineral rich taste with a crisp light finish and the right amount of salt.
Environmental Sustainability
Our farm is ecofriendly. Shellfish aquaculture is sustainable. No fertilizers, feeds, herbicides, drugs, or chemicals are used in the farming of our oysters. Our oysters are produced from only hatchery-raised seed, which are responsible for the production of billions of spat that help repopulate the wild oyster in the Bay.
Fun Facts about Oysters
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Oysters feed on microscopic plants which are overly abundant in the Chesapeake Bay, thus improving water quality.
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Oyster farming provides habitat for fish and improves species diversity.
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Oyster farming removes nitrogen. Oysters improve light penetration which helps the Bay's grasses recover.