Our Inception
America, where dreams of success can become a reality. Sixty-eight years ago, a young couple arrived in New York City from a war-torn Europe. Alex and Dorit Smith were two young immigrants who survived the horrors of the Holocaust. After arriving in New York City, they settled in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Alex’s first job was in a local butcher shop earning just $1.00 a day. During his time at the shop, he gained an enormous amount of knowledge about the meat and poultry business. In 1953, Alex and his two brothers-in-law started their first business venture in The New Castle Farmers Market, Alex’s Seafood & BBQ.
Powering Through Tough Times
Alex and Dorit’s primary goal was to make life better for their family. Their children, Sidney, Mark, and Larry, would become the beneficiaries of their struggles to gain success. Unfortunately, a few months after the business opened, Alex’s brothers-in-law were tragically killed in a vehicle accident. Alex and Dorit stepped up and took care of the three families until other arrangements were made for them.
Disaster then struck again, and The New Castle Farmers Market burned to the ground. Alex and Dorit continued to build their business while struggling through financial difficulties. Around this time, seafood became an integral part of the growing business. The family eventually settled in Philadelphia, where both Alex and Dorit lived and raised their children and grandchildren until they passed away in 2013.
Expanding The Family Business
The family was able to open two more locations over the next 30 years. Dorit was Alex’s partner, working hand in hand with him at all the stores. In between all of the work, she raised a family and helped take care of her extended family.
Through the years, Alex brought the boys into the stores teaching them about responsibility, respect, and the basics of business. Sid and Mark worked full-time in the family business learning the ins and outs of the business.
In 1981, Alex sustained a severe injury. He decided it was time to simplify his life and turned over the Delaware operations to Sid and Mark. Alex and Dorit continued working at the New Jersey location until 2003 when the youngest brother Larry took over. Dorit and Alex continued supporting their boys with their vast knowledge and advice.
A New Beginning
In 1984, Sid and Mark expanded the Delaware operation, and Alex’s Seafood Restaurant & Clam Bar, Eat-In or Take-Out & Retail Seafood was born. In 1987, The New Castle Farmers Market went through a major renovation. Alex’s expanded into a restaurant, bar, and retail seafood operation.
Alex & Dorit Smith continued the tradition of bringing their children into the businesses. Jennifer worked the retail counter and as a server while also attending high school and law school. Jason worked at Alex's throughout high school. Jason decided to join the business as a fulltime employee. Now Jason is leading the team at Alex’s and is adding to the family legacy. Jason and an amazing staff of employees continue serving our wonderful and loyal customers.
Both the seafood business and Alex’s BBQ are presently enjoying three generations of success with 67+ years in business. Mark has since retired; however, his contributions and influence are still seen and heard at Alex’s to this day.
Join us at Alex's for the highest quality of fresh seafood and a super-friendly staff. We'll always try to attain perfection so customers like you leave satisfied, happy, and most importantly, with a full belly!
Continuing The tradition
Sid and Esther Smith, as Alex & Dorit Smith, continued the tradition of bringing their children into the businesses. Jenifer worked the retail counter and as a counter server throughout her high school years and as a server as she worked her way through law school. Jason started working at Alex’s as a teenager through high school. Jason decided to join the business as a fulltime employee. Now Jason is leading the team at Alex’s and is adding to the family legacy. Jason and an amazing staff of employees continue serving our wonderful and loyal customers.
At Alex’s Seafood, we believe the highest quality fresh seafood and outstanding personal service continue to be the keys to our success now and moving into the future. Alex’s always tries to attain perfection and wants customers to leave satisfied, happy, and, most importantly, with a full belly!
Alex’s Seafood Restaurant & Clam Bar & Retail Seafood Take Out, A Family Friendly Restaurant & Retail, along with Alex’s BBQ, is presently enjoying 67 years in business and three generations of success. Alex’s Seafood is the only continuously operating business in The New Castle Farmers Market since its inception.
Place Your Order Online
It only takes a minute to place your order online. Pick up at the front counter of our restaurant and enjoy the wonders the sea has to offer.
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