Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Appoints Previous Director of Franchise Operations, Sarah Meriam, as New Chief Operating Officer

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, the laid-back full-service seafood restaurant franchise with 19 units across the country, announced that Sarah Meriam has been promoted to chief operating officer. The promotion, announced on Wednesday, fills the role vacated in late 2022 due to the retirement of the previous COO. “I am beyond stoked to be given such a great opportunity by stepping into this new role. I was a fan of the Shack brand long before I worked here and feel blessed to be part of this team,” Meriam said.   Aided by her operational acumen, Meriam has already driven impressive growth and development for the national seafood franchise empire.“Sarah’s operational background and desire to see our strategic franchise partners succeed makes this move a no-brainer for us,” said Jonathan Weathington, CEO. “Sarah, since joining our team two years ago, has made tremendous progress on the operational capacity and prowess of our restaurants at both the corporate and franchise level.”  

Prior to being promoted, Meriam served as director of franchise operations for the brand. She previously held the same title with another successful Wilmington-based concept, Port City Java. Meriam started her career with Port City Java in July 2002 and spent 10 years working as both a barista and café manager for several locations around Wilmington. Later, as a training manager, she helped onboard new franchisees and franchise managers, assisting in numerous initial training programs and ongoing/supplemental training for franchise managers.   Meriam joined Port City Java’s corporate team in May 2012 as a franchise business consultant and was promoted to director of franchise operations in August 2016. Not long after, in February 2018, Meriam received her Certified Franchise Executive designation from the International Franchise Association.

  Meriam looks forward to approaching her new role with a strong history in franchise business coaching, product development and procurement, supply chain management and hospitality operations. The promotion marks a pivotal moment in the emerging oyster bar franchise’s journey towards explosive growth on a national level.

  “From home office to franchise partners, all those working with Shuckin’ Shack are truly some of the most authentic humans I’ve had the privilege of working alongside,” said Meriam. “I am ready to keep building and growing with this amazing brand. Let’s Shuckin’ Go!”