CUTV News Radio welcomes back Deborah and Terry Haydon of DT Callis Seafood

Lancaster, VA – CUTV News often features companies on our show that are in their third generation, and we always make a point to discuss how rare that is.

The story of Callis Seafood is more common. When its original owner Mr. Callis passed away, the company was left to his son-in-law Terry Haydon. Terry had managed the Callis Seafood since 1963, but when the economy took a turn for the worse, so did the business.

But then something remarkable happened: Terry met Deborah.

“I knew Terry through church since 2011,” recalls Deborah. “We both lost our spouses. We started dating and married in 2014. After oystering with him for a while, I said, "You know, I really like this. I want to start our own business.” And part of that, too, had to do with giving Terry back his purpose for life.”

“Deborah decided she wanted to go the whole nine yards, so that’s what we’re doing,” says Terry. “Deborah’s got a brilliant mind and she learns so quickly. I’ve seen people in this business 15-20 years who can’t do the things Deborah does in four years.”

Relaunched in June of 2017, today, DT Callis Seafood is a thriving oyster processing business, harvesting and purchases the freshest local oysters from watermen in the Chesapeake Bay area. Their oysters are boxed for the half-shell market and the remainder are shucked, cleaned, processed and packaged in quart and gallon containers for restaurants and seafood establishments.

And oysters are making a comeback. The resurgent east coast market for fresh oysters is bringing back the industry. The growing demand should ensure a bright future for DT Callis Seafood.

For more information on DT Callis Seafood, visit www.dtcallisseafood.com