Shark Bar and Kitchen now has a sister restaurant in Sayulita, Mexico, a village on the country’s Pacific coast that’s known for its abundance of fresh seafood.

Taylor Clayton, director of operations, said the company is hoping to add additional Shark Bar and Kitchen locations in the Southeastern U.S. in the coming months.

Clayton said that business at the Wrightsville Beach location has remained steady despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and a new summer menu has been launched to capture the spirit of the season.

“Each season we bring in new flavors and ingredients to highlight what’s fresh,” Clayton said. “Our prices may be a little higher, but we’re committed to providing super fresh local seafood and produce.”

Clayton said the core menu items, such as the raw bar and fried seafood options, typically remain the same throughout the year.

Louie Sipler, executive chef and general manager of the Wrightsville Beach location, is working with the chef in Sayulita to develop recipes that work well for both locations. Recent collaborations include a new spicy Caesar salad, an avocado tostada with chili tomato vinaigrette and Texas Wachos, waffle fries topped with sharp cheddar, pork adovada, chipotle crema, jalapenos and green onions.

Another addition to the menu inspired by their Mexican counterpart is a selection of agua frescas, a hydrating fruit drink, available as a non-alcoholic beverage or with a shot of liquor. Flavors include watermelon-mint, citrus-jalapeno and grapefruit-rosemary.

While many new dishes are inspired by Mexican flavors, customers will also find shrimp cocktail (pictured above), a traditional Maine lobster roll, now available in two sizes, a burger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and Coca Cola onions, and traditional Calabash seafood platters served with hushpuppies and slaw.

Clayton said she is working on expanding the number of grab-and-go items on the menu, as well as a picnic basket that can be ordered ahead and taken to the beach.

The majority of Shark Bar and Kitchen’s items are available all day, with the exception of the pastas and mains, which are available after 5 p.m.

As the restaurants works to be fully staffed for the summer season, they plan to continue to offer carryout service, with online ordering available.

Shark Bar and Kitchen is at 13 East Salisbury St. in Wrightsville Beach. Current hours are noon to 9 p.m. daily.

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