At the Oyster Table: Savoring Coastal Flavor Across the U.S.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – This October, Texas Sea Grant is inviting seafood lovers to pull
up a chair At the Oyster Table—a nationwide Sea Grant campaign celebrating oyster traditions
across the United States. The month-long initiative highlights the rich diversity of coastal flavors
while shining a spotlight on the sustainable seafood and stewardship efforts that keep oyster
industries thriving from coast to coast.

As part of the celebration, Texas Sea Grant is partnering with Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition
in Houston to host a special Oyster Night on Tuesday, October 14, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Guests can enjoy fresh Gulf oysters prepared “Texas Style” with a Michelada Mignonette, meet
local oyster harvesters, and learn more about Texas’s growing oyster industry. Diners will also
have a chance to win Texas Sea Grant swag and discover how every Gulf oyster tells a story of
community, sustainability, and resilience.

Event Details

When: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition, 318 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002

The reason we selected Josephine’s: “For us, it’s important that guests know where their seafood comes from,” says Chef Lucas. “We build relationships with our farmers and distributors, and the money that flows through our restaurant goes right back into the community. From shrimp boats to oyster farms to redfish operations, so many hands and jobs are supported through this industry. When people enjoy our food, they’re not just eating seafood—they’re helping sustain the Gulf and the communities that depend on it.”

Sea Grant & the Oyster Industry

Across the country, Sea Grant programs support oyster industries by advancing aquaculture
techniques, connecting producers with new markets, and educating consumers. Whether on the
Gulf Coast, Atlantic, Pacific, or in bays and estuaries in between, Sea Grant helps communities
sustain their oyster traditions for generations to come.

Texas Sea Grant & Gulf Oysters

Texas Sea Grant plays a critical role in supporting the state’s oyster industry by:

• Supporting Local Producers – Helping harvesters and farmers share their stories and connect with markets.
• Promoting Sustainable Practices – Providing science-based guidance on fishery management and coastal stewardship.
• Educating Consumers – Highlighting the value of eating local seafood and the ecological role oysters play in Gulf health.
• Industry Leadership – Texas Sea Grant’s Aquaculture Specialist serves on the

Governor’s Commercial Oyster Mariculture Advisory Board, working with other industry
leaders to offer guidance on the development, regulation, and sustainability of the state’s
commercial oyster farming industry. Other members of the Sea Grant team have been
essential in helping achieve national certification for sustainable oyster harvesting,
ensuring sustainability remains an industry priority.

When Texans enjoy Gulf oysters, they’re not just tasting the Gulf—they’re supporting the people
and communities that make the coast strong.

Partner Spotlight: Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition

Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition brings the heart of “coastal cooking” to Houston. Led by Chef
Lucas McKinney, a Mississippi native steeped in the flavors and foodways of the Gulf,
Josephine’s blends timeless Gulf traditions with a fresh Texas spirit.

The restaurant proudly describes itself as “a little bit classy, and a little bit trashy”—a place
where time slows, people gather, and coastal stories come alive. Josephine’s sources locally
from the Gulf, honoring the industries and cultures that have shaped the region, while creating
new traditions for future generations.

A Coast-to-Coast Celebration

At the Oyster Table is part of a nationwide digital media campaign with activities taking place in
New York, North Carolina, Florida, Oregon, and Texas. Each region is sharing a signature oyster
dish, along with insights into how oysters support local economies, traditions, and ecosystems,
with support from their regional Sea Grant.

Follow the campaign and join the conversation with #AtTheOysterTable on Facebook
(@TexasSeaGrant), Instagram (@Texasseagrant, @Josephinesgulfcoast), and other social
media platforms.

For more information, visit Texasseagrant.org/AtTheOysterTable.

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About Texas Sea Grant

Texas Sea Grant is a unique partnership that unites the resources of the federal government, the State of Texas and universities across the state to create knowledge, tools, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of Texas. It is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is one of 34 university-based Sea Grant Programs around the country. Texas Sea Grant is a non-academic research center at Texas A&M University. The program’s mission is to improve the understanding, wise use and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources.