CAPTAIN & FOUNDER
A FAMILY TEAM BRINGING FRESH
ATLANTIC SHELLFISH TO YOUR DOOR DIRECTLY
FROM LOCAL FISHERMAN
CHRISTOPHER MERL
Chris’ love of working on the water began at a young age of 16, when he began diving for oysters. As he started to settle down and grow a family with his wife Denice, he worked on his aquaculture grant in Wellfleet farming oysters and clams. Like most fishermen, Chris has had to diversify in order to survive the industry. Chris pivoted to working on large fishing vessels in order to gain the knowledge needed to run his own boat. After gaining experience in scalloping, he bought his first scalloping boat, the F/V Aidan’s Pride. After successful years of scalloping off the Aidan’s Pride, Chris decided to expand the fleet with the addition of the F/V Isabel and Lilee. Over thirty years later, and Chris is still at it, providing the freshest scallops around!
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
DENICE LAPIERRE
Denice, Chris’ wife, is the heart and soul of the operation on land. From managing the day-to-day bookkeeping to making scallop deliveries, she is a crucial part of the crew. On top of this, Denice also has worked on the Wellfleet flats picking oysters and digging for clams. Most notably, she is a mother to three and has managed all of this while handling the unpredictable of living a fishermen’s lifestyle.. Whether she’s walking her giant bernedoodles or managing scallop orders, she does it all with love and a smile on her face!
MARKETING
ISABEL & LILEE MERL
The Isabel and Lilee was named after Chris and Denice’s two daughters. Lilee, who gradutaed from GW University in DC in May. She is currently an SEO expert for Powerdigital Marketing. Isabel will be a senior at Tufts University in the fall and is studying biology. Isabel currently holds a summer job at PJ’s in Wellfleet serving up fried seafood and ice cream. Lilee spends a lot of her time helping with the family business. She does all the social media and runs the Saturday Farmers Market alongside our long time family friend Michelle Mucic...and Dom!
STAFF & CREW
AIDAN LAPIERRE
Aidan's Pride was named after Chris and Denice’s son, Aidan. Currently, Aidan works for Farrell Electric in Eastham. When he has time off he is always happy to help manage the family business by promoting scallops or making scallop deliveries. If he can find the time Aidan helps Chris when he is short on crew by going on two-day fishing trips. Chris has enjoyed showing Aidan the ropes and hopes to one day pass along the legacy. Scalloping is an all hands on deck family business!
CHEF
MICHELE GRILLO
The F/V Isabel and Lilee has teamed up with Chef Michele Grillo to bring you some amazing scallop dishes! Chef Michele is a certified Culinarian and certified Wine and Spirits expert, having extensive experience as a Pastry Chef and Prep Chef. She received her Certified Culinarian and Prochef Certification from the Culinary Institute of America. Additionally, Chef Michele is a Wine Steward and Sommelier, receiving her Certified Wine and Spirits Expert certification.