Chef Walker Sullivan

After Native Citizen chef Walker Sullivan learned in 2024 how cheap, imported shrimp flooding American markets was hurting the country’s shrimpers, he decided to take a stand.

"When I read about everything they're dealing with, I just wanted to help," Sullivan said.

The Raleigh, N.C., chef quickly pulled together shrimp boil fundraisers to help commercial fishing families get the word out the goodness of seafood harvested in the United States.

“Native Citizen was formed to support and spotlight our farmers and fishermen,” Sullivan said. “We will continue to do our part in supporting these hardworking fishermen by buying and selling North Carolina shrimp,”

The chef went on to do a seafood cooking demonstration at the N.C. Seafood Festival in Morehead City and was invited to become an NC Catch Chef Ambassador.

Besides operating his Native Son catering service, Sullivan works in the kitchen at acclaimed Death & Taxes, a Durham restaurant owned by his fellow NC Catch Chef Ambassador Ashley Christensen. He has also clocked time at the famous Angus Barn in Raleigh.

“I’ve got a lot of love for North Carolina seafood; I think it's some of the best in the world. In addition to our wild-caught operations, I think we’re starting to see some really cool things come from aquaculture, North Carolina State University’s Striped Bass program and oyster farms exploding to name a couple,” Sullivan said.

“I believe it (North Carolina seafood) is severely underappreciated and pushed to the side due to cheap imports, which is worth fighting against.”

Visit Native Son’s website and follow Sullivan on Instgram @nativecitizenllc and @Dubsullivan

Events

9
Mar

African Americans in Seafood Exhibit

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Harkers Island, N.C.

10
Mar

NC Catch Summit 2025

8:30am - 4:00pm

Morehead City, N.C.

24
Mar

NC Catch Feast of Local Seafood

6:00pm - 9:30am

Nags Head, N.C.