Cape Cod scallop company Midnight Our adapted to COVID-19 by selling direct to consumers, donating to local organizations, and supporting sustainable seafood.

Containers of fresh scallops from Midnight Our
Post Date
Tue, Sep 6
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Local businesses on Cape Cod have always had the ability to adapt and be nimble in the face of challenges, and arguably no time was more challenging than the COVID-19 pandemic. When it hit, wholesale orders for locally caught seafood dropped off almost immediately and  Midnight Our, a family-owned day boat operating out of Cape Cod that specializes in wild caught fresh scallops, knew they had to rework their business model and think differently about how to keep their business afloat and employees employed.

Containers of fresh scallops from Midnight Our

Fortunately federal and state regulators began issuing permits to small fishing boats to sell direct to consumers. So, that’s what Captain Jesse Rose and his crew started to do: connect with interested consumers online and then hand-deliver their orders right off the docks of Wychmere Harbor in Harwich – with much success. 

They also show up for the community off the docks, donating their scallops in support of local organizations like The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, and Family Table Collaborative, as well as by supporting initiatives that support and encourage a sustainable seafood system like taking part in scientific studies, using gear to minimize bycatch, and by raising awareness about sustainable seafood.

"I have watched this transformation and the excitement they have of actually being able to sell direct to the customers a fresh, affordable, healthy and nutritional local item. Although the work is more for them – the reward is certainly huge."

Tracy Post, Friend of Midnight Our

Every month, along with The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod and Cape Cod Broadcasting, we share stories from across Cape Cod about how our local businesses do more for this community than simply provide goods and services and why shopping with them is more than just a single transaction.


Have a similar shop local story? Or want to share how a local business you know is giving back to the community, working with other local businesses or providing employment opportunities in a unique and interesting way? Nominate them here!

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