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Gulf Shrimp Supplier: Wild American Gulf Shrimp Retail and Wholesale
ABOUT GRAHAHM SHRIMP CO.
Ernie Anderson
Bayou La Batre, AL, a place of opportunity fueled by the Gulf of America, is where Ernie Anderson and his father-in-law Steve Graham of Graham Shrimp Co, Inc. have thrived for four generations in the shrimp processing and seafood supply industry. Through hard work and honest living, the faces behind Graham Shrimp have established a strong local reputation by catering to customers’ needs, making smart investments, and embracing good old-fashioned hard work.
Their story began in the 1940s when Steve’s parents, Mr. Willie (Louis Wellington Graham) and Mrs. Olivet Graham, traveled to Mobile from Coden, AL, by train, selling crabmeat to hotel patrons at the Rolston Hotel. A visionary, Mr. Willie became a pillar of Bayou La Batre when he pioneered the harvesting of brown shrimp from the Gulf around 1948 on his boat, Morning Star. His exploration of Lake Bond, Mobile Bay, and beyond revolutionized the shrimp industry by introducing a new variety alongside the existing white shrimp.
Ernie made his debut with Graham Shrimp after moving to Mobile in 1986, starting when he helped Steve take a “wheel” (propeller) off a boat. This introduction to the seafood supply industry led him to sell Bayou La Batre seafood into Dallas, TX, and ultimately marry Terri Graham, Steve Graham’s daughter. After purchasing Graham Shrimp from Steve, Ernie fondly recalls that for a year, no one asked for his last name, assuming he was a Graham. “I had to get married to get my name back,” Ernie jokes.
In 1992, an opportunity arose when Ernie was asked to help regain possession of a boat. After successfully retrieving the boat, he brought it to Steve’s brother Darrell Graham’s facility in Bayou La Batre. Darrell encouraged Ernie to keep the 92-foot boat for use, which led Ernie to lease Darrell’s fuel and ice dock to sell fuel, ice, and other supplies.
Ernie fully committed to the shrimp processing business after salvaging and rebuilding another boat and serving as port captain of various boats in the Bayou La Batre harbor. With eight boats at his disposal, continuing in the industry was an easy choice.
Ernie and Steve united with a vision to rebuild the family business, acquiring a 1,200-square-foot building that they expanded in 2008 and 2013. Graham Shrimp has since acquired property that includes an 8,000-square-foot processing area, a 1.5-million-pound cold storage facility, and a 1,400-square-foot dock facility equipped with a holding freezer and cooler. The hustle and bustle of a thriving wholesale shrimp business are evident at Graham Shrimp.
Ernie emphasizes that loyalty to both suppliers and customers is essential for success in the industry, and Graham Shrimp has made it a priority to deliver on this promise. Ultimately, a series of opportunities and a strong work ethic that began with Mr. Willie and Mrs. Olivet have solidified Graham Shrimp’s place in the history of the seafood industry of Bayou La Batre. As Ernie states, “The only people who get discriminated against down here are those who are lazy and don’t want to work.” At Graham Shrimp, it is clear that hard work has truly paid off.
OUR SUPPORTERS
We are Hiring! Come join our Team!!
We are looking for experienced only Outdoor Salesmen (must have knowledge of the seafood industry), experienced only Drivers (with a CDL), experienced only Shrimp Processors (with heading, grading and IQF processes) and experienced only Freezer Handlers (with LOT # and inventory knowledge). Please call 251.824.3536 to make an appointment.