The Rhody Toast - Ocean State Oyster Co.

The Art of the Shuck: Meet the Couple Behind Ocean State Oyster Co. 

There’s something unforgettable about fresh-shucked oysters, a touch of caviar, and a sea breeze in the air — and no one delivers that magic quite like the duo behind Ocean State Oyster Co.

What began as a shared love for Rhode Island’s coastal bounty turned into a one-of-a-kind business. Together, this dynamic couple travels the state (and beyond), bringing their interactive oyster and caviar bar experience to weddings, private parties, and corporate events. From the elegance of locally harvested oysters to the fun of a roving raw bar, their offerings are as fresh as the waters they come from.

In this edition of The Rhody Toast, we dive into their story — how they got started, what they love most about working events together, and why Rhode Island’s food scene is the perfect backdrop for their salty, celebratory style.

ROOTS & RHODE ISLAND VIBES

Tell us where you grew up and how Rhode Island shaped your love of food and the ocean.

I grew up in the small town of York, Pennsylvania, home of the Peppermint Patty. Moving to Rhode Island and offering our services throughout New England has been such an amazing way to connect with the community as well as all of the beautiful cuisine that is offered. One of the best things about having so many amazing weddings and events in this region is connecting with other venue and restauranteers, enjoying their local cuisine, the incredible views on the water, and, of course, offering tasty oysters & caviar for the many couples and corporate clients. What better connection to the ocean than shucking fresh oysters for everyone!

Do you have a favorite memory of a celebration or gathering by the coast?

There are too many amazing events to choose from, but I will say that having been a part of events from Fenway Park in Boston, to Providence, to Castle Hill Inn in Newport, has allowed us to see all of the beautiful sites throughout New England.

When you’re not shucking oysters, how do you like to celebrate or host friends and family?

There is nothing better than pairing a beautiful champagne or wine with some tasty oysters & caviar. It wouldn't be a party if we didn't teach all of our friends and family how to shuck, followed by some delicious grilling and desserts!

What local spots do you love to shop for ingredients, gear, or party essentials?

We love shopping at local markets such as Farm Fresh Rhode Island to create our toppings of cocktail sauce, champagne mignonette, with lemon, Tabasco, and cracked pepper, and ordering our delicious oysters & caviar from Tony's Wholesale Seafood. We also work with every local oyster farm in New England so that couples and clients can experience their local seafood or try something from a different coast!

What’s your go-to Rhode Island dish or drink when you're unwinding at out or home?

We love enjoying local clam cakes from Wickford on the Water or a lobster roll from Monahan's Clam Shack, a dirty martini, and, of course, local oysters!

THE BUSINESS OF OYSTERS & EXPERIENCE

How did your oyster journey begin — what inspired you to become a mobile oyster chef?

My wife and I were honey mooning in Greece when we were first presented with a mobile oyster shucking experience. The idea actually originated in The Netherlands, making its way throughout Europe, and having been in the wedding industry for over 10 years, we decided we could take this amazing experience and upgrade it with our own twists to offer it to the many couples and clients throughout the U.S.

Describe what it’s like to bring a raw bar to a wedding or private event — what makes it feel special or unique?

Offering this one-of-a-kind experience truly offers the WOW factor to all guests we've had the pleasure of serving. There is nothing more fulfilling and exciting than seeing the looks on people's faces when we approach them to shuck tasty oysters right in front of them followed by our homemade cocktail sauce and champagne mignonette. We feel honored to be included in every couples most special day and to add a fun, memorable experience for all of their families and guests. For every event or corporate gathering, we have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and offer an immersive experience that allows for them to bond together over.

What sets your experience apart from a traditional raw bar or catering service?

The secret is in our Oyster Girls & Guys amazing personalities as they roam amongst the event space shucking oysters right in front of the guests. There is nothing fresher and tastier than an oyster being shucked right then and there. Weddings and events in this day and age are always looking for an 'it' factor or an enhancement on guests' experience, something more immersive than simply having food at their gathering, and this is the perfect way to have that. Events are a massive team effort, from the venue to the planning to the catering and bar to the florals & decor, to the incredible staff, and being able to offer a seamless experience such as this makes everything come together. And since recently adding our Roaming Caviar service as well, we are always looking for ways to add another luxurious level in elevating an event's experience.

CELEBRATIONS, CONNECTION & FLAVOR

What types of events do you love working most — weddings, backyard parties, corporate gatherings?

We love them all! Whether it is a wedding, outdoor party, corporate gathering, we want everyone to have as much fun as we are.

How do you work with clients to customize the experience or vibe of their event?

Our Roaming Oyster and Roaming Caviar experience is customizable from the start. We custom make our Chef aprons, buckets, homemade condiments, and attire, so we do our best to ensure we are part of every events aesthetic and vision. Most importantly, that everyone enjoys the experience as much as possible.

What makes oysters such a great choice for celebrations in Rhode Island?

Oysters are a part of the culture here in Rhode Island and New England as a whole. All of the local farmers who produce the tastiest oysters are really the ones to thank for taking care of our ecosystem and providing seafood that is fresh and sustainable. Our business name, Ocean State Oyster Co., is named after the beautiful state of Rhode Island and is our way of offering a connection to the sea.

Do you have any fun pairings or local flavor tips for people planning their own raw bar moment?

Everyone is creating their own unique spin on cocktail sauce and mignonette. Have fun with that! And if you are really looking to add an elevated experience, combining caviar on top of an oyster is amazing!

THE TOAST

What do you love most about being part of Rhode Island’s food scene?

There are so many unique and local cuisine offerings throughout the state of Rhode Island. You can't think of Rhode Island and New England without thinking about seafood, so being able to provide locally sourced oysters to everyone that experiences this region is truly the best part.

What’s something people might not know about oysters — or about you as a chef?

Oysters are one of the healthiest seafoods a person can enjoy plus they are amazing for the ecosystem. What a lot of people may not know is that this company was created by my Wife and I on our Honeymoon so it really is built on love, even if that sounds a bit corny.

What’s your favorite thing to raise a glass to these days?

Family, health & happiness. Being with those you love is the most important thing to cherish every single day.

Where can people book you, follow your travels, or see you in action next?

Anyone can connect with us directly on our Instagram account, @OSoysterCo, or by email OceanStateOysterCo@gmail.com. They can hope to see us in Boston, Connecticut, Newport, and now Miami and Chicago!

A big thank you to Nathaniel and his wife for sharing a behind-the-scenes look at Ocean State Oyster Co. with The Rhody Toast. Your passion for Rhode Island’s coastal flavors, warm hospitality, and creative approach to celebrations makes every event you touch something truly special. I'll gladly raise a shell (and a toast!) to that. 🦪🥂 - Ainslie

Want to be featured on THE RHODY TOAST? Contact Ainslie at downhomeeventsri@gmail.com