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Coming Out Of Its Shell

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

NORTH TAMPA - Chris Mackey's day-to-day environment hasn't changed much in the past five years.

His line of work and his role as general manager have routinely taken him to the same site filled with familiar furnishings and faces.

What has changed in recent months is the business's name and mission.

In September, his former employer, Shells Seafood Restaurant at 11010 N. 30th St., filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations of that facility along with seven others in its 22-restaurant chain.

Since then, Mackey has transitioned into the position of general manager of Stingray's Seafood & Grill, a new eatery that has taken Shells' place.

"It gave us a chance to rebuild and come out stronger, and we've decided to rebrand ourselves," said Mackey, who has worked in the restaurant business for 15 years.

Stingray's specializes in seafood and pasta but also offers "fall-off-the-bone" ribs marinated in beer and made-to-order hamburgers.

A shrimp and crabmeat dip served with freshly fried tri-color tortilla chips and a zesty Stingray seafood sauce are among its signature items. The menu also includes early-bird and daily specials.

"Everything is fresh," Mackey said. "Our fish is brought in three times a week, and our lobster is flown in daily on the red-eye from Maine."

Stingray's owner, Gene Congdon, a Tampa Palms resident who was franchise owner of the Shells restaurant from 1986 until its closing, prides himself on giving his customers "fair value for their dollar."

"It's the customer first in this restaurant," he said.

Cortnie Vukaj of Tampa frequents the eatery at least once a week.

"The service is phenomenal, and they are always willing to customize our orders," she said. "Gene, the owner, always comes by to see if everything is to our liking. It's always a pleasure to go there."

Ron Byrd, a resident of a nearby assisted-living facility, is also a regular.

"I think the place is wonderful. The food is delightful, the price is right, and the waitresses are always so cordial and helpful," he said. "They are the best."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Stingray's Seafood & Grill

WHERE: 11010 N. 30th St.

HOURS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week

INFORMATION: (813) 977-8456 or www.stingraysgrill.com

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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