THE FISH LIST PORTAL

THE HISTORY OF ZORA’S

Since its founding in 1956, Zora’s Seafood Market has been a cherished institution in Wilmington, North Carolina, anchoring the vibrant Castle Street community. Named after its founder, Mrs. Zora, the market began as both a seafood retailer and a casual restaurant, earning a reputation for its exceptionally fresh, locally sourced seafood and warm, welcoming atmosphere. For nearly seven decades, Zora’s has been a gathering place where families, friends, and seafood lovers from near and far have come to enjoy the bounty of North Carolina’s coast, paired with the kind of genuine hospitality that keeps generations returning.

A Tradition of Freshness and Flavor

From its earliest days, Zora’s was synonymous with quality. The market offered an array of fresh catches - fish like flounder and whiting, shrimp, oysters, and crabs - sourced directly from local waters. Its restaurant menu was equally celebrated, featuring classic coastal dishes that showcased the region’s seafood heritage. Favorites included crispy catfish sandwiches, golden-fried crab cakes, delicate soft-shell crabs, and hearty boiled shrimp plates, all prepared with a focus on simplicity and flavor. These offerings made Zora’s a destination not just for Wilmington locals but for visitors who sought an authentic taste of the Carolina coast.

The market’s commitment to freshness was matched by its sense of community. Customers weren’t just patrons; they were neighbors, friends, and extended family. Mrs. Zora’s legacy of friendliness became a defining trait of the business, fostering a loyal following that spanned generations. Stories of families making weekly pilgrimages to Zora’s for their seafood fix, or gathering around tables to share platters and laughter, are woven into the fabric of the market’s history.

In 2018, Zora’s entered a new era when Ronnie and Revonda Williams took over its operations. The couple brought their own passion and dedication to the market, preserving its traditions while keeping it a vital part of the community. Ronnie, a seasoned crabber, ensured that Zora’s continued to offer the freshest blue crabs during the season, maintaining the market’s reputation for quality. Under their stewardship, Zora’s remained a beloved fixture, serving up the same fresh seafood and friendly service that had defined it for decades. When the Williamses retired from running the market - though Ronnie still supplies blue crabs when in season - they left behind a legacy of care and commitment.

A Vision for the Future with Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton

In a significant milestone for Zora’s, Chef Dean Neff and baker Lydia Clopton, owners of the acclaimed Seabird restaurant in Wilmington, acquired the market in recent years. Neff, a James Beard-nominated chef, is a prominent advocate for sustainable and local seafood, and his vision for Zora’s aligns closely with the market’s historic mission. Seabird, known for its celebration of North Carolina’s coastal cuisine, has earned accolades for its innovative yet respectful approach to seafood, making Neff and Clopton ideal stewards to carry Zora’s into the future.

Under their ownership, Zora’s continues to operate as a seafood market, offering the same fresh, locally sourced fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, and more that have long been its hallmark. The market’s restaurant component, though currently closed for refurbishment (with plans to reopen by late July 2025), will maintain its tradition of serving classic dishes like fried seafood platters, low-country boils, and sandwiches featuring shrimp, flounder, oysters, whiting, and crabs. Neff and Clopton aim to honor Zora’s legacy while integrating their own ethos of sustainability and community engagement, ensuring that the market remains a cornerstone of Castle Street.

Aligning with a Broader Mission

Dean Neff’s leadership brings a renewed focus on promoting North Carolina’s coastal seafood heritage. His work at Seabird has emphasized partnerships with local fishermen and sustainable practices, and this philosophy is now being woven into Zora’s operations. By maintaining the market’s traditional offerings while aligning it with Seabird’s mission, Neff and Clopton are positioning Zora’s as a bridge between Wilmington’s past and its future. The market not only provides access to the freshest seafood but also serves as a platform for educating customers about the importance of supporting local fisheries and preserving the region’s marine ecosystems.

Challenges and Opportunities

The temporary closure of Zora’s kitchen for refurbishment reflects Neff and Clopton’s commitment to investing in the market’s long-term success. While the closure may disappoint some loyal customers eager for their favorite fried platters, it signals an exciting evolution. The planned reopening in late July 2025 promises a refreshed space that will continue to serve the dishes Zora’s is known for, potentially with new offerings that reflect Neff’s culinary expertise and Clopton’s baking talents. In the meantime, the market remains open for retail, ensuring that customers can still purchase fresh seafood to prepare at home.

A Lasting Legacy

Zora’s Seafood Market is more than a business; it’s a testament to Wilmington’s coastal culture and the enduring power of community. From Mrs. Zora’s founding vision to the careful stewardship of Ronnie and Revonda Williams, and now the forward-thinking leadership of Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton, Zora’s has remained true to its roots while adapting to changing times. As it approaches its 70th year, the market continues to embody the spirit of Castle Street—where fresh fish, friendly faces, and a shared love for the sea bring people together.

Whether you’re a longtime patron reminiscing about childhood visits or a newcomer discovering Zora’s for the first time, the market offers a taste of Wilmington’s heart and soul. With its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community, Zora’s Seafood Market is poised to remain a beloved institution for generations to come.