Meet the Founders of the Fastest Growing Black-Owned Crab Pot Restaurant Chain in the South

Rod and Rana Brown, founders of Mr. 3's Crab Pot

Mr. 3’s Crab Pot is a Black-owned chain of seafood restaurants in the Carolinas. They pride themselves on using seafood from local sources and remixing comfort food staples all while covering it in their signature sauce. Mr. 3’s has led the pack in the seafood revolution of North and South Carolina by serving “underserved” communities, providing unlimited employment opportunities and striving to teach the importance of financial independence through multiple avenues.
The owners, Rod and Rana Brown, have always understood the importance of providing solutions. The Browns were no rookies to the business world as they had built a notable portfolio in real estate investment and renovation. The Browns originally gained reverence in their community with their consistent work in providing affordable housing options to individuals that were affected by the recession.

While successful in the real estate industry, the Browns were aware of the industries instability, and wanted to plant their feet in something that could provide generational wealth for their family. As self proclaimed "foodies", the couple noticed the lack of fresh seafood options in areas considered “low income” and saw an opportunity to provide.

In 2015, Mr. 3’s Crab Pot began operation as a mobile food trailer in the parking lot of one of Charlotte’s largest chain retail stores. The mobile food trailer was the first of its kind. Selling food reminiscent of the crab and lobster boils that Rod experienced as a child through his grandparents from New Orleans. The couple stuck with their plan to utilize their family and original recipes; these soon become a big hit with customers.The crowds quickly grew from a couple of familiar faces to parking lot length lines and sold out menu items.

Although business was booming the couple had their share of naysayers, including previous coworkers who doubted the success of the business. These people doubted the ability for a simple food trailer to make it in such a large city. Needless to say, they were wrong. Mr. 3’s humble beginnings quickly grew into a city staple that required more than just a walk-up trailer.

Realizing the demand, the Browns took and chance and purchased an abandon building that would be transformed into the first brick and mortar location for Mr. 3’s Crab Pot. The restaurant, located in Rana’s childhood neighborhood of Thomasboro, continued to serve the community that initially helped the brand grow.

The reputation for Mr. 3’s far exceeded just the Charlotte location pushing the Browns to expand their business to locations in neighboring cities and states. Opening storefronts in Gastonia, NC and Rock Hill, SC solidified Mr. 3’s reputation for great food and an even greater experience.

Through serving communities that usually go unnoticed and offering jobs to its residents who sometimes suffer the same fate; the Browns aren’t just offering food but also opportunity. By exemplifying their extensive knowledge in business management, real estate, and ownership the Browns have quickly went from just restaurant owners to pillars in their community.

For more details and/or to place an order online, visit https://www.mr3scrabpot.com or follow them on Facebook.

For press inquries, contact Martie Bowser of Role Model Publicity at admin@RoleModelPublicity.com or (704) 615-5815.
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