Two seafood counters, Aqua Street and Blue Shell, opened on Eighth Avenue in Chelsea in June 2024. Both aim to capture increased seasonal pedestrian traffic.

The seafood market in Chelsea is seeing new activity as two counters, Aqua Street and Blue Shell, open their doors in early June. Both venues are located on Eighth Avenue, between 18th and 20th Streets, an area with established retail and a history of restaurant turnover. Aqua Street specializes in prepared raw bar items and lobster rolls, while Blue Shell focuses on grab-and-go seafood salads and poke bowls.

Operators cite the uptick in local foot traffic since Memorial Day as a key reason for launching this month. According to data from the New York City Department of Transportation, Chelsea’s Eighth Avenue corridor has experienced a nearly 20% increase in pedestrian flow compared to May. Both businesses report initial sales concentrated in lunch and early evening periods, targeting office workers and residents.

Aqua Street is owned by Matt Lin, who previously managed a seafood stall in Brooklyn’s Industry City. Blue Shell comes from the team behind Midtown’s Poké Garden, expanding their portfolio into Chelsea. Neither has announced plans for dine-in seating, aligning with a growing demand for counter-service and takeout options in the area. Nearby restaurant owners say the new counters could help drive overall street activity but are monitoring for competitive impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly are Aqua Street and Blue Shell located?

Both seafood counters are on Eighth Avenue in Chelsea, Manhattan. Aqua Street lists its address as 210 Eighth Avenue, and Blue Shell operates at 214 Eighth Avenue. Both are between 18th and 20th Streets.

What types of food are offered at these new seafood counters?

Aqua Street serves prepared raw bar dishes, lobster rolls, and shellfish platters. Blue Shell focuses on seafood salads, poke bowls, and chilled shrimp options. Both are designed for takeout and quick service.

Why did these seafood counters open in June 2024?

Both operators cited a spike in local foot traffic following Memorial Day, supported by NYC DOT data. The timing aims to leverage increased summer visits from commuters, residents, and tourists in Chelsea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Aqua Street and Blue Shell located in Chelsea?

Aqua Street is at 210 Eighth Avenue and Blue Shell is at 214 Eighth Avenue, both between 18th and 20th Streets in Chelsea, Manhattan.

What kind of seafood does Aqua Street offer?

Aqua Street serves prepared raw bar dishes, lobster rolls, and shellfish platters.

What food options are available at Blue Shell?

Blue Shell offers seafood salads, poke bowls, and chilled shrimp, focusing on grab-and-go options.

Why did Aqua Street and Blue Shell open in June 2024?

Both opened in June 2024 to take advantage of a nearly 20% increase in local foot traffic since Memorial Day, according to NYC DOT data.

Do Aqua Street and Blue Shell have dine-in seating?

Neither Aqua Street nor Blue Shell offers dine-in seating; both focus on counter-service and takeout.

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