For more than 20 years, Dockside Seafood and Specialties has met the fresh and prepared seafood needs of Picayune area residents.

The family operated business began with a seafood market location in New Orleans, La., in 1987, eventually adding a separate restaurant a short distance from the market.

Anthony Carbone, son of one of the owners Angella Carbone, said the restaurant in New Orleans eventually closed, but when the business relocated to Picayune in 1994, the family decided to open a combination of the two.

The business is currently owned by Angella Carbone and her brother, Tony Carbone. At times the two are confused for husband and wife, and Anthony said that he and his cousin Magen Carbone, are often confused for brother and sister.

No matter the titles, the end result is a family owned and operated business.

All of the Carbones serve a role in the daily operation of the business. Any one of them can be seen manning registers, or preparing meals during operating hours.

Seafood offered at the restaurant is purchased from local fishermen as much as possible, and just about every side item is homemade, not delivered by a truck, Anthony Carbone said.

But just a few years ago, the seafood served at Dockside was caught by Tony Carbone and other family members using his own boat, which is the original reason the business is only open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. After making the transition to purchasing local seafood about two years ago, the hours remained the same to allow each employee adequate family time.

And even though the business is open four days a week, it employs 15 people full time, four of which are the Carbones.

With Mardi Gras on the horizon, that means crawfish season is on the way, which creates the busiest time for the Carbone family, leading to the creation of a couple of part time positions.

Dockside also offers fresh and boiled crawfish, crabs and shrimp. Other options include fresh oysters, gumbo, red beans and rice and daily specials. To see the full menu visit http://theoriginaldockside.com/

The business is located at 1528 Highway 11 in Picayune. Staff can be reached by calling 601-749-0400.