Driven by an enthusiasm for service, Shark Bar and Seafood House in Waldorf, Maryland, has become a mainstay in Charles County for connection, community, and delicious food. Five years into operation, the establishment is expanding its service mission to make a larger impact on youth in the community.
The establishment was founded in 2019 by four partners with backgrounds in culinary arts, event promotion, and club ownership to celebrate African American culture through high-quality dining and entertainment experiences. The oceanic-themed restaurant features a live shark in a tank behind the bar, adding to the establishment’s unique ambiance and complimenting the restaurant’s popular Cajun-inspired dishes.
Celebrating African American Culture
One founding co-owner, Kathon Van Hook, shares, “The restaurant's mission has always been to serve the community. We feel like this part of Charles County, especially Waldorf, looks a lot like us. When I say ‘us,’ I mean African Americans or people of color. We saw a need for entertainment and food that our people can relate to and wanted a place where they can have a joyous time with their friends and family in an atmosphere that gives a positive vibe.”
"Charles County is a unique community because it has the highest-earning, majority-Black population in the United States," adds Van Hook. "The area is constantly growing and opening doors to a lot of people of color. Therefore, they have needs and desires and want to have fun, spend their money, and enjoy life."
Soon after opening, the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for the business. The team quickly rose to the occasion, constructing a tented outdoor space mirroring the same inviting ambiance to remain welcoming for guests.
"The pandemic helped us in a sense because we had to turn that adversity into an opportunity," adds Van Hook. "We reached out to a lot more customers that we probably wouldn't have had if we weren’t putting as much effort into bringing people into the restaurant. We kind of grew and grew by understanding what the community needs and making sure we met them."
Shark Bar and Seafood House transformed the temporary outdoor dining area into a permanent patio. "When you walk up, it's beautiful to see the big sharks on the outside of our building, the new patio out there, and people enjoying themselves. We’re expanding our capacity to grow," said Van Hook.
In 2023, Van Hook endured a life-changing medical experience that influenced Shark Bar and Seafood House to deepen its commitment to community service. He explains, “When I was in the ICU, I had a chance to reflect on how I was moving and the business. Something switched, and I started to look at Shark Bar and Seafood House as an opportunity to continue my true life path, which is to bring service to the community.”
He continues, "Shark Bar and Seafood House is really just a step to bring more service to more people. When I came to that realization and understanding, I was very intentional about reaching out to some of our guests who are influential in the community. Once I started having conversations with them, that seed just grew out of control."
Now, the restaurant’s staff and ownership collaborate with local groups to promote opportunities for Charles County youth. Shark Bar and Seafood House sponsored a trip for approximately fifty high school students to visit the Maryland Department of Commerce, where they met Kevin Anderson, Maryland’s Secretary of Commerce. During this visit, the students engaged with Secretary Anderson and explored various government opportunities available to youth after high school and during college.
The restaurant regularly collaborates with local sororities, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s Nu Zeta Omega Chapter and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., both known for their philanthropic work in Charles and St. Mary's Counties. Recently, Shark Bar and Seafood House participated in Sigma Gamma Rho’s 27th Annual Youth Symposium at the College of Southern Maryland, providing meals for youth participants as they explored growth opportunities and prepared for life after school.
"One of the biggest things that I wanted to drive for our business is investing in Charles County’s future," said Van Hook. "With every service we’ve done, that seed has grown way more than what the service cost us." Van Hook shared that during the Youth Symposium, the team connected with Charles County Commissioner Ralph Patterson, who has opened doors for more service involvement through the Charles County government.
Charles County Business Support
Van Hook is a recent graduate of the Business Growth Advantage Program (BGAP), an eight-week educational and networking course. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this now-sunsetted program empowered local business owners with essential training to expand their enterprises and, upon graduation, receive $10,000 to apply towards their business needs.
"BGAP has been a transformative program in Charles County," said Anthony Adesina, Business Retention and Expansion Manager for the Charles County Economic Development Department. "Shark Bar and Seafood House has established a strong community presence, and we hope these funds help them expand their service and continue to offer a quality gathering space for both residents and visitors."
Van Hook finishes, "Charles County really supports its businesses. We gave back to the community, and the community has shown us love. We’re looking forward to continuing to give and growing her in Charles County."
Read other stories on Charles County businesses here.
