A new fast-food seafood restaurant has been reeling in business partially thanks to social media and a tie to UF.
The Original Wharf Express, 3333 SW 34th St., in University Town Center by Peach Valley, offers a mix of seafood and usually serves its meals within 10 minutes.
Leslie Guy, the owner of the franchise, is a UF alumna who was active in Greek life during college, performed as a UF cheerleader and competed on the gymnastics team.
“Gainesville has become a part of me,” she said, “And I wanted to bring something back to Gainesville.”
Part of her goal is to break the negative views many people have about fast-food seafood, she said.
The restaurant has primarily reached the student community through word of mouth, but kitchen manager RJ Wright said social media seems to help.
“As I keep updating my status and share the restaurant’s page on Facebook, I see more people coming in to try the food,” he said.
The restaurant also plans on expanding to other locations in the Gainesville area, Guy said.
Emily Dhondt, a 21-year-old UF advertising senior who works in the restaurant, said students visit because they know other restaurants in the shopping center are good, and they’re looking for something new to try.
“I’ve seen a customer who has come in almost every single day this week because the food ... has a Southern charm to it,” she said.
A version of this story ran on page 8 on 11/26/2013 under the headline "Fast seafood reels in customers"
A new seafood fast-food franchise, Original Wharf Express, recently opened in Gainesville. The restaurant is located at 3333 SW 34th St.
