FAQ
What does O’Shucks do?
We provide mobile oyster bar catering and roving shucker services for events throughout New Jersey and beyond. Whether it's a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or backyard get-together, we show up with a custom-built raw bar, freshly shucked oysters, and everything your guests need for a premium shellfish experience. Head to our packages page for a closer look.
How does it work?
Use our contact form to tell us about your event and the package you're interested in. We'll follow up with recommendations based on your headcount and help you build a custom raw bar package tailored to your event. After a proposal is agreed upon, we'll send an event contract and invoice for a 50% deposit. Once booked, we just need to know where you'd like us to set up on the day of your event. Inquire → Choose your oysters & other shellfish → We show up → You enjoy.
What do you need from me?
Very little. We take pride in being completely self-contained and easy for our hosts to work with. After booking, all we need to know is where to set up and the easiest way to access your property/venue. No power outlets, no special tables, no prep from you- and we leave the space we work as we found it. If there are any site-specific considerations (stairs, sand, tight doorways), just give us a heads-up, and we'll plan accordingly.
Dimensions and logistic considerations for the raw bar are linked here.
Where is O’Shucks located and how far will you travel?
We're based in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, and specialize in serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. We travel anywhere within 45 minutes of our home base at no additional cost. Anything beyond that radius will be reflected in your quote based on travel time. We've been part of weddings and events throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
How much does it cost?
Snowflakes, oysters, parties… no two are the same. With variables such as the quantity/variety of oysters, other shellfish you may be interested in, number of guests, event duration, type of service, travel time, etc., the price can vary dramatically from event to event. Check out our packages page for an introduction to pricing by service, and please reach out via our contact page for a custom quote tailored to your unique needs.
Once we agree on the line items and you’re ready to move forward, a 50% retainer will be required upon signing your event contract to reserve your date. Full payment is due 5 days before your event.
-We believe in upfront, transparent pricing. The quote for an agreed-upon package is all-inclusive and final, except for applicable sales tax and a 2.6% payment processing fee for credit card payments. We also accept Zelle at no additional processing fee.
Do I need to tip my oyster shucker?
We operate under an “always appreciated, never mandated” philosophy when it comes to tipping.
Our shuckers are paid a fair wage, and we don't add a 20% service fee to your booking like many similar services do. We believe tips should be earned, not expected, and we'd rather our shuckers wow you into wanting to tip than have it baked into your invoice. If your shucker(s) made the experience memorable, 100% of your tip goes directly to them. You'll also have the option to add a tip when you make your final payment, if you’d rather take care of it ahead of time.
Can I adjust my order after booking?
Absolutely. If the dynamics of your party change and you'd like to adjust quantities or add something new, we're happy to accommodate. Any price adjustments will be reflected in your final invoice.
We pick up our seafood fresh for your event and typically place orders 7 to 10 days before, so we ask that any changes be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance.
What’s your cancellation policy?
We get it, shuck happens. Cancellations more than 14 days before your event forfeit 25% of the retainer, or you can apply the full credit toward a future event (pending availability). Cancellations within 14 days forfeit 50% of the retainer. Within 7 days forfeits the full retainer.
What if it rains on the day of my party?
We work rain or shine. Our setup is fully mobile and adaptable, so as long as there's a covered area available (a tent, garage, patio overhang, covered porch), we can operate comfortably. We also have 10’ x 10’ canopy tents available for rent. If your event is outdoors with no backup for cover, we recommend having a contingency plan in place.
If severe weather is forecasted within 48 hours of your event, we'll ask that you make reasonable efforts to accommodate our setup indoors or under cover. If that's not feasible, you can reschedule once at no additional cost (subject to our availability) or cancel for a 75% refund of the total fee. Cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable due to product procurement and staffing commitments.
How many oysters should I provide per person?
This is a surprisingly complicated question. Full article coming soon.
Short answer: It depends, but 2-4 is the general range. Small parties and oyster lovers tend to go through more, though, up to 6+ per person
Do you provide anything other than oysters?
We do. In addition to oysters, we offer wild NJ clams, jumbo shrimp cocktail, snow crab cocktail claws, caviar , and our Shuckuterie Boards, which are beautifully arranged pre-shucked shellfish platters available for pickup or delivery. Our menu varies with seasonal availability, so reach out for our most current offerings.
We specialize in shucking and stay in our lane: raw only. That said, once you've purchased clams or oysters from us, they're all yours. If you'd like to set some aside for grilling, we're happy to accommodate. We don't provide an on-site grill, so you'd be cooking them on your own.
Do you offer grilling or steaming services?
Do you work with bars & restaurants?
We do. We've partnered with breweries, restaurants, and bars for pop-up raw bar events and recurring features. If you're looking to add a fresh oyster offering to your venue without the overhead of a full raw bar program, we'd love to talk. Get in touch and we'll work something out.
Are you insured?
Of course. We carry Commercial General Liability insurance, property coverage, and workers' compensation. All staff are Food Safety Certified. Certificates of insurance are available upon request.