Jaseam Brooks, the owner of Elgin Seafood, has brought a unique culinary venture to Elgin, South Carolina, combining a seafood market with a full-service restaurant. This establishment, which opened in November 2024, caters to the community’s demand for fresh seafood options, offering both raw and cooked selections.
Brooks, originally from the Bronx, New York, relocated to the Columbia area and graduated from Camden High School in 1993. He pursued higher education at Charleston Southern University, majoring in sociology, and served in the National Guard as a heavy equipment operator. His entrepreneurial journey began at age 23 with his first restaurant, followed by diverse ventures including a barber shop, a bar and grill, and a box truck business. This varied experience underscores his adaptability and business acumen, culminating in the launch of Elgin’s Seafood.
Elgin Seafood, located at 1100 Rose Street, Elgin, SC 29045, operates six days a week: Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to { \mathrm { 7 p. m. } } , and Sunday from 1 \mathrm { p. m } . to { \bf 6 } { \bf p. m. } , remaining closed on Mondays. Customers can contact the restaurant at 803-572-0231 or contact the restaurant through its Facebook page. (@page.)
The restaurant’s menu is diverse, featuring popular items such as flounder, shrimp, scallops, oysters, and seafood platters, complemented by side items like cold slaw, potatoes, salad, french fries, and fried okra. It offers customers the flexibility to purchase raw seafood for home cooking or to purchase cookedto-order menu items, catering to both dine-in and take-out preferences. Additionally, it provides catering services for large orders, though these are available for pick-up only.
This dual market and restaurant model sets Elgin Seafood apart from typical dining establishments in the area. Community Engagement and Future Plans
Brooks emphasizes community engagement, describing Elgin’s Seafood as a family business that “loves and embraces the community.” He aims to provide excellent customer service and a welcoming atmosphere, highlighting food’s role in bringing people together. His vision includes expanding the restaurant’s offerings, such as adding more products and potentially building a deck area to enhance the dining experience. This focus on customer satisfaction is evident in his commitment to maintaining a clean establishment and responding to community needs, particularly in an area he identified as lacking a wide variety of food options.
Despite the challenges of starting a new business, Brooks notes the community’s supportive response, which has been crucial in the restaurant’s first four months of operation. He acknowledges learning experiences, such as navigating customer feedback, and remains optimistic.
The community has been very supportive, and I’m thankful for their patronage,” Brooks says.
Richland One accepting nominations for District’s Hall of Fame
Richland One is accepting nominations for the district’s 2026 Hall of Fame induction class. Nominations must be submitted online by Friday, August 8, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Established in 2004, the Richland One Hall of Fame recognizes graduates of Richland One schools and other persons throughout the district’s history who have made significant contributions to Richland One, their communities, their professions and society. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded by the Richland One Board of School Commissioners.
Persons, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the Richland One, their communities, their professions and/or society are eligible for induction into the Richland One Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame nominees may be alumni of Richland One schools or persons who did not attend school in Richland One; however, the majority of inductees selected for induction in a given year will be Richland One alumni. Up to five persons will be selected for induction each year.
Alumni of Richland One schools are eligible for nomination five years after their graduation. Former Richland One employees are eligible for nomination two years after their employment with the district has ended. Former school board members are eligible for nomination two years after their service on the Board of School Commissioners has ended.
Current district employees, current school board members and other current elected officials are not eligible for nomination.
For more information, go to www.RichlandOne.org or contact Karen York in the Richland One Office of Communications at karen.york@richlandone.org”>karen.york@richlandone.org or (803) 231-7504.
