Nick Aliotta grew up chasing tides and reeling in redfish off the Georgia coast. Now a longtime Isle of Hope resident, he’s turned that passion into something even more rooted in the water: Savannah Oyster Company.

Founded alongside business partner Harley Krinsky and other oyster-loving locals, Savannah Oyster Company is farming oysters just miles from home in the Bull River, where brackish waters and strong tides create a uniquely Georgian flavor. “Being from here gives me an instinctive sense of the water,” Aliotta said. “That local knowledge really matters.”

Oyster farming is no walk in the marsh. It’s grueling, unpredictable, and deeply seasonal—but for Aliotta, the payoff is in the product. “You can taste the freshness,” he said. “Our oysters reflect the waters they come from.”

Savannah Oyster Company’s harvest can be found at several downtown restaurants, with Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar leading the way. As demand grows, the team hopes to offer more: tours of their floating farm, educational outreach, and even branded oyster merchandise.

“The state of Georgia has finally opened the door to oyster leases,” Aliotta said. “That gave us the chance to bring something truly local to the table—literally.”

The goal isn’t just to farm oysters; it’s to build a sustainable, homegrown industry with deep local roots. “We want chefs and customers to know we care about the quality,” he said. “And we want people to support the businesses born right here.”

To learn more, visit savannahoysterco.com or follow @savannahoystercompany on Instagram.