Restaurants

Willie T’s Seafood Shack – Review

Published

3 years ago

January 19, 2023

Cary Levinson

Willie T’s Seafood Shack and Thompson Hospitality are making a splash in South Florida.

January 12th, 2023

by Cary Levinson

From Thompson Hospitality, one of the largest retail food service management companies in the USA, Willie T’s Seafood Shack pays homage to its roots while serving up the freshest seafood possible. Located in a detached corner segment of the Harbor Shops in East Fort Lauderdale, a large shopping center near Port Everglades and the airport, the “shack” moniker is fitting. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, with televisions to catch the game, and a large hip-hop inspired mural, the cozy space is both casual and cool.

Before ordering, I sat down with the boss-man behind the counter, Todd Frankel Jean, to discuss the new restaurant. Todd explained that the concept was inspired by the grandfather of the founder of Thompson Hospitality, Willis “Willie” Thompson, who operated a seafood truck, selling fried catfish. He explained that through some good food, they are hoping to bring together generations of families and empower success in the local minority community. To do that the brand’s Operating Partner Program gives operators the chance to take an ownership share in the restaurants.

Looking at the menu, it’s hard to miss the impressive range of comfort food options including fried shrimp, fried catfish, fried cod, lobster rolls, sandwiches, and fried chicken tenders. As for lighter entrée options, grilled shrimp and grilled catfish were also available, but I didn’t try either. Available sides offered no break from the comfort food vibes, with fried onion petals, fries, hush puppies, coleslaw and mac & cheese. To wash it all down, in addition to soft drinks, beer, wine, hard seltzer and Frosé are available.

After ordering, the open kitchen allowed me to watch the food be prepared fresh. No reheated, soggy food here. Everything was prepared fresh with love and care. What really set Willie T’s Seafood Shack apart from the rest of the local seafood restaurants was the fried catfish, which was perfectly flaky, with just the right amount of fish fry seasoning and super crispiness. Additionally, the top selling lobster roll was buttery and rich, and kicked up with some spicy sauce on the side. However, the fried shrimp was no slouch either. Jumbo, tender, crispy and perfectly seasoned it nearly brought a tear to my eye. From the shrimp to the catfish to the onion petals, everything was right on point, fried fresh and absolutely satisfying.

The South Florida seafood restaurant scene can be fancy and expensive, but amongst the more pretentious neighbors, Willie T’s prices are excellent. With more Willie T’s Seafood Shack locations on deck and other Thompson Hospitality restaurants planned throughout South Florida get ready to dig in!

Willie T’s Seafood shack is located at 1824 Cordova Rd. Fort Lauderdale, FL.

For more information visit www.williesseafoodshack.com

Up Next

Burger Bash – REVIEW

Don't Miss

Sushi By Bou at Salt7 – Omakase Dining Experience review

Cary Levinson

Restaurants

Rancher’s Reserve Brings Farm-to-Table Beef to West Palm

Published

3 days ago

November 8, 2025

Coach, Mark Shone

Raising the Steaks and Lowering the Stress: Rancher’s Reserve Brings Pasture-Raised, Antibiotic-Free Meats, In-House Craftsmanship and a Whole Lot of Flavor to Downtown. (more…)

Restaurants

Louie Bossi’s Boca Is Back and Tastier Than Ever

Published

6 days ago

November 4, 2025

McKaela Lulic

A night of music, mozzarella, meatballs, and martinis marks the comeback of Boca’s favorite Italian spot.

November 4, 2025

Boca’s favorite Italian spot is back and better than ever. After closing in April because of a kitchen fire, Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria has officially reopened its doors, and Boca couldn’t be more excited.

The restaurant kicked things off with an invite-only cocktail preview on Sunday, November 2, and it was the perfect mix of community, flavor, and fun. Guests were welcomed with house-made favorites, signature cocktails, and a performer wearing a champagne dress made entirely of glasses filled with bubbly. A live DJ kept the crowd dancing and smiling all night, setting the tone for Louie Bossi’s big return.

Every table was a dream for anyone who loves Italian food. There was a charcuterie board piled high with meats, cheeses, and fresh focaccia, plus a mozzarella station where chefs stretched the cheese right in front of you. The plates kept coming with wood-fired pizza, creamy pasta, rich meatballs, and those truffle risotto balls everyone was talking about. To end the night, a cheerful chef went around filling fresh cannoli shells with sweet ricotta and powdered sugar.

What’s New and What’s Coming

Louie Bossi’s still has all the warmth and heart Boca locals love, but with a few new reasons to stop by. Guests can now enjoy two Happy Hour options: one from 4 to 7 p.m. daily and another from 9 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

One of the newest additions is the Girl Dinner, which comes with an Arthur Ave Salad, truffle fries, and a martini for $30. I’m already obsessed and fully plan on making this a regular thing. It’s the perfect mix of light, indulgent, and a little bit fancy, everything Louie’s Lounge is about.

To celebrate the reopening, Louie Bossi’s is hosting a series of events throughout November that bring the community together:

Saturday, November 8: A family celebration honoring local firefighters, complete with pizza box decorating, firetruck photo ops, kids’ activities, and free treats.
Thursday, November 13: A Tip a Firefighter fundraiser, where local firefighters serve as bartenders and servers to raise money for the Boca Raton Firefighter Benevolent Fund.
Later in November: An Italian Mixology Class, where guests can learn to shake and stir signature cocktails in a fun, hands-on setting.

With its incredible food, lively atmosphere, and community-centered spirit, Louie Bossi’s return feels like a big Italian hug for Boca. The comeback is delicious, joyful, and exactly what we’ve been waiting for.