American Fish Company

Its one of the NC coasts best kept secrets, there just aren’t too many places like it.  Once one of the busiest fish depots on the NC coast, Old American Fish Co.  is now a waterfront bar.  Where else can enjoy a cold drink while peering out over the Intracoastal Waterway to the Old Baldy lighthouse and Oak Island as fishing boats and barges pass by?  Its truly an amazing view and one that has been wowing locals and visitors alike. After its facelift in early 2009, Old American Fish Company opened for business again.  In its reconstruction, efforts were made to preserve its original look as a fish house from the wooden platforms and the old rafters to the tin roof.  Its new look and business model has made a real splash down in Southport as it has proven its self to be one of the most sought after and original places on the eastern shore line to enjoy an adult beverage and the cool ocean breeze. Any night of the week you can come down and relax with the local bartenders while they make your favorite drink with scenery you have to see to believe.   Sitting right on the tip where the state of North Carolina turns, the Old American Fish House rests completely over the Atlantic, surrounding its guests with immaculate views from dock to dock.  Adding to its originality, its one of only three buildings in the state that’s structure rests completely over the Intracoastal Waterway.  Not to mention, it still remains standing through many hurricanes that brought disaster to the east coast since the mid 1900’s. However, this coastal gem is more than just a pretty place.  The History of Old American Fish Company is just as enticing as the views.  This place is full of history, dating back as far as the 1920‘s.  Although it is hard to come across written history on this interesting property, many of the locals have pitched in to unveil the true story about OAF. Back in the 1920‘s and 30‘s, before it was ever known as the “Old American Fish Company” the location where it now sits was occupied by Fraizer’s Railroad and was used to load and haul seafood from the incoming ships.  The old railway ran adjacent to the east side and was an important piece to commerce in the area during that time period.   In fact, some of the old railroad ties from this era are still being used it the current structure. We pick up in the year 1970 when a man by the name of Dick Skipper bought the property where OAF now sits.  He was responsible for the original construction of the “fish house” and ran charter boats from the docks day in and day out for years.  During this time, the fishermen brought back thousands of pounds of grouper, snapper, swordfish and flounder to the mainland and sent it to market. In 1980, Charlie Perry purchased the property and renamed it “American Fish Co.” From 1980 to 2003 it was ran as a fully operational fish facility where fisherman continued to unload their fresh catch of the day and put it on ice right here at the OAF.  The OAF became one of the nations largest dealers of fish native to its waters.  During this time period, movies such as “I know what you did last summer” and “The Water is Wide” were filmed on the property.   Celebrities of all kinds have tied up to this very property and it has become a little piece of Hollywood. In 2003, Charlie sold the property to Mark Brisson, a local developer in the area and he moved his business to its new location down next to the Oak Island Bridge where it continues to operate.  In early 2009 they renamed it “Old American Fish Co.” and it was revamped and reopened for business, but not as a fish facility.  In a partnership with the Provision Company next door, Brisson has preserved the history of this nostalgic place but implemented a fresh new business plan.  Old American Fish Company is once again open for business, but now serving cold beverages on the water with a breathtaking view you have to experience to believe. Filming location for the movie "Safe Haven".