Maya’s Crab Shack is located at 4289 Old Stage Road, Riegelwood, NC, and is owned by De’Maya Berry.
De’Maya is living a different life than she had envisioned. De’Maya graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University in May 2018 with a degree in sports medicine. Upon graduation, she applied to two physical therapy programs and was not accepted into the programs. Both programs recommended she take an additional class during the summer and reapply to the program in January. De’Maya enrolled and completed the recommended class.
In the meantime, De’Maya needed money and was encouraged by her family and their love of seafood! She discovered her entrepreneurial spirit and started cooking in her garage in June 2018. Her love of seafood came through in the dishes she prepared; she sold out of food each weekend. January came and went with De’Maya never re-applying to either physical therapy program. During this time, she also helped her mother Devoria at her mental health agency.
She continued cooking in her garage until February 2019 and at 23 years of age decided she was going to open her restaurant. As De’Maya met with the representative from the health department at her home, her mom was actively looking at the location Maya’s Crab Shack would eventually occupy. De’Maya’s vision for her future had changed, but her mom’s faith in her never wavered. She supported the future De’Maya was forging for herself.
Maya’s Crab Shack opened in March 2019. You may guess from the name De’Maya chose, she was boldly claiming it as her own and would serve the food she loved. She did not limit herself to the traditional seafood offered in many restaurants in Columbus County. Her menu includes but is not limited to southern classics like shrimp or fish and grits to glorious snow crab legs, blue crabs, lobster tail, and shrimp fried rice designed to tantalize the taste buds and keep you returning for more. The photos De’Maya offered of her fare drew the locals in and brought diners in county-wide. Reviews of Maya's reveal she has a following beyond Columbus County's 954 square mile radius and we're glad to have them coming through.
Maya’s Crab Shack still offers De’Maya’s flair for these delicious dishes as well as more traditional breakfast and lunch items. Bacon, sausage, hamburgers, hotdogs, wings, and french fries are sure to please your palate. Follow Maya’s Crab Shack’s Facebook page to stay informed, you never know what Maya may be offering as a special.
During the pandemic, the restaurant transitioned from dine-in to take-out only. She has no plans to alter her service plan in the near future. She and two employees prepare each order to your specifications for pick-up and they offer delivery to the local mill employees.
If you are attending a festival or find yourself out of town on Sunday, keep your eyes open for Maya’s Crab Shack’s food truck. While De’Maya occasionally likes to see new faces in other locations, she loves the community she serves and has no plans to leave.
We asked De’Maya what was the most challenging obstacle she has faced since opening; we witnessed her strong spirit as she hesitated before pointing out that like so many businesses she is facing food shortages, such as crab legs and chicken wings. While she is paying more; she strives to keep her prices reasonable and continue to offer value; while being profitable enough to keep the doors open.
De’Maya is thriving on the path she chose, and our community is thrilled to have her offering us food therapy. She shared with us that although the restaurant was not her first choice, she has no regrets. She has grown to love preparing meals that bring us back to her door and we’re glad she does. If you haven’t tasted the food at Maya’s Crab Shack, make plans to do so. It’s a culinary trip you won’t regret.
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