Charleston Weekly

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., 99 S Market St

Bubba Gump Shrimp became famous following the 1994 film Forrest Gump. Who doesn't remember Bubba rambling off to the title character about his love of prawns?

"Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it. Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp Creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan-fried, deep-fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that's about it." (Thanks to IMDb for refreshing my memory.)

Well, the founders of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. were so taken by that part of the movie that they decided the world needed to have a few real-life restaurants depicting Bubba's love of shrimp—and so the first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market was opened in 1996 in Monterey, California.

Credit: CMPhotography

And Charleston's own Bubba Gump Shrimp location is one of the most popular out of the chain's dozens of restaurants. Tourists love the opportunity to enjoy some great seafood and then return to the historic district of the Holy City to enjoy walking on Market Street.

But it isn't just the movie and the novelty of the chain that makes it so lovable—as the restaurant remarks, "Food is the hero at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.; we serve food that makes our employees proud and will make you want to return."

Not a shrimp lover? Don't worry—Bubba Gump Shrimp has more than just prawns to tickle your fancy. The regular menu features items ranging from Dixie-style baby back ribs and the pear and berry salad to a veggie mushroom burger for all you vegetarians out there.

The kids' menu isn't too shabby, either! While the little ones munch on popcorn shrimp, pepperoni pizza, a tasty burger, or one of the other offerings on the kids' menu, take a minute to relax and order one of the restaurant's margaritas—they're hand-shaken tableside.

Your kids are sure to love the hoppin' atmosphere, great food, and novelty of the whole experience. (And you'll love it all, too!)

For more info about the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., head over to their Facebook page.