The Long John Silver’s quick service seafood chain in the United States is serving Good Catch plant-based breaded fish-free fillets and plant-based breaded crab-free cake at five locations in California and Georgia for a limited time. This marks the first time that the Louisville, Kentucky-headquartered operator has offered faux seafood products to its customers.
The new options include a plant-based platter, which includes two fish-free fillets, two crab-free cakes, and two side dishes; two plant-based meal options featuring fish-free fillets or crab-free cakes, each served with two sides; plus fish-free fillets and crab-free cakes as à la carte add-ons to any meal.
“We’re excited to propel change in quick service restaurants by teaming up with Long John Silver’s,” said Christine Mei, chief executive officer of Austin, Texas-headquartered Gathered Foods, makers of Good Catch products. “With the plant-based seafood sector expected to grow twelve-fold in the next ten years to $1.3 billion, there’s room for dramatic growth. We’re proud to fuel the momentum by delivering the delicious taste, unmistakable texture, and comparable protein that consumers crave.”
The plant-based breaded fish-free fillet serves up with a tender, flaky whitefish-like texture encased in a crunchy, crispy breading. The plant-based breaded crab-free cakes are entrée-sized with a lump crabmeat-like texture and sweet flavor complemented with sweet peppers, green onions, parsley and a kick of spice.
The company’s proprietary six-legume blend of peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans and navy beans is packed with protein and used as the base of Good Catch products to create the texture that mimics the flakiness of seafood.
Long John Silver’s has been active in the quick service seafood restaurant business since 1969. With nearly 700 locations in the United States, it specializes in providing consumers with tasty, affordable seafood items. Menu innovation has continued to be a focus for the chain known for its fish and fries, including the launch of its new grilled product line in 2019, featuring Grilled Shrimp and Salmon Meals, Tacos and Rice Bowls. With the addition of Good Catch breaded products, it aims to continue to expand an innovative menu with a flexitarian eating style.
Gathered Foods has had an impressive year thus far, with the launch of its new frozen breaded line and most recently the announcement of its partnership with Dr. Sylvia Earle’s nonprofit Mission Blue for an ongoing sponsorship and consumer call to action to help shift the decline of marine wildlife. Prior to that, the company secured a successful B-2 bridge funding round, securing $26.3 million with investments from Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and others. Additionally, the brand has had several launches in expanding its foodservice footprint.
Good Catch deli-style plant-based tuna salad is now available across several states in Whole Foods Market prepared foods sections. In February, the brand partnered with Bareburger to bring its plant-based classic fish burger to consumers through a vegan offering called The Gulf. In Texas, Good Catch expanded its presence with launches in Safeway, Randall’s, and Tom Thumb, as well as Austin plant-based restaurants and grocers including Neighborhood Goods, The Beer Plant and Tiny Grocer. In March, the brand broadened its direct-to-consumer offerings to include its entire portfolio of both frozen and shelf stable appetizers and entrees.
