From Hot Fish ‘N Chips To Fin-To-Tin Dungeness Crab, Merino’s Seafood Is A Small Business Standout In Westport, Washington

The coastal town of Westport, Washington, is best-known for its recreational and commercial fishing industry. Whether you live in the area or are visiting from out of town, enjoying the abundance of fresh-caught PNW seafood is a must, but you don’t need a pole or a boat to get your fill. From fresh raw to canned on-site to cooked to order, Merino’s Seafood Market in Westport, Washington, has it all.  And you’d be hard-pressed to find anything like it, even well beyond the town’s borders.

Welcome to Small Business Spotlight, our celebration of the ingenuity and innovation of small business owners across the country. From well-established restaurants to brand-new specialty stores and everything in between, these businesses -- and the hardworking proprietors at their helm -- are truly an inspiration.

Merino’s owner, Mike Cornman, grew up around the fishing industry here in Westport, working over the summers in his family’s fishing business and eventually expanding it into a large operation comprised of several fisheries.

Several years ago, Cornman purchased Merino’s Seafood Market and micro-cannery, seeing its potential for growth and an excellent way to “share fresh awesome seafood.” Adding online sales to the already established market proved to be a great success.

Having established a career in the restaurant industry before returning to the family business, the next step for Merino’s was a natural progression. In 2021, Cornman opened a takeout window serving fresh fish and chips. Eventually, that part of the business also grew, leading to an indoor dining area and upstairs patio as well.

Merino’s is committed to sustainably caught, responsibly harvested seafood and is driven by local fishing families both in Westport and the Pacific Northwest. Whether you shop the retail market or order a hot meal, you will find nothing but the freshest wild-caught seafood here.

Cornman attributes his success to simplicity and a focus on quality. “Take care of our people and they will serve you well!" he says. He loves being able to build something special in the community, developing leaders to guide the business, and of course, sharing incredible seafood.

The seafood market offers an amazing selection of fresh-caught seafood year-round including seasonal Chinook salmon, halibut, cod, rockfish, Dungeness crab, and more, as well as fresh-frozen vacuum-sealed varieties stocked throughout the year.

The cannery calls its process “from fin to tin.” All seafood is wild-caught locally, filleted in-house, and hand-packed, meaning customers enjoy unmatched quality and flavor when they open a can of smoked oysters, razor clams, salmon, Dungeness crab, or one of several varieties of Albacore tuna.

When it comes to dining at Merino’s, you will find a short but amazing menu with Dungeness crab and tuna melts, clam chowder poutine, and of course, iconic fish n’ chips. Pair your choice with a craft beer from a local brewery and you've the perfect Washington-proud plate!

And you won’t find just your average fish 'n chips here, either - Merino’s offers diners a choice of five different types of fish including rock cod, lingcod, halibut, salmon, or tuna. Now that's fish n’ chips your way!

By supporting its employees and their families, sponsoring and participating in local charities and fundraisers, and providing customers with an unparalleled seafood experience, Merino’s and its dedicated owner have made themselves an integral part of the Westport, Washington, community.

Many thanks to owner Mike Cornman for sharing the story of Merino’s Seafood Market. Learn more and support this iconic Washington business by visiting the Merino’s website and Facebook page.

Merino’s is one of the many awesome businesses to be found across Washington. Do you know of another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Washington? Please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And don’t forget to follow Only In Washington on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with this state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.