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“There'll be specials and promotions throughout the month of March,” says Harris' General Manager Mike Harris. Opened in 1981, the business served a limited menu of mostly steamed crabs and shrimp. “The expansion to the current building, which opened March 14, 1991, allowed for an expanded and diverse menu that is pleasing to a variety of guests” says Karen Oertel, who along with her other Jerry Harris and their spouses Art Oertel and Pat Harris founded the restaurant. “But shell fish is still at the heart of our business,” adds Karen.
Karen and Jerry's father, William Harris, founded W.H. Harris Seafood Packing Company—now known as Harris Seafood L.L.C. on Kent Narrows in 1947. “At that time there were dozens of seafood packers located in the area,” according to Jerry Harris. Today, Harris Seafood is the lone surviving shell fish plant on Kent Narrows. “Opening the restaurant was a natural extension,” says Art Oertel. “People come from all over to dine at Harris Crab House. It's amazing how word has spread and our reputation has grown, over the years,” adds Oertel.
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