Why She-Crabby?

Hey, foodies! Come along as I uncover the flavorful history of Tarrant’s and its beloved dish—She-Crabby soup!

Picture a journey through Richmond's history, where fires and transformations shaped the city like a giant game of musical chairs for businesses. During this time, Tarrant’s found its forever home at 1 West Broad Street. In 2006, Ted Santarella, a man with an eye for turning old spaces into culinary gems (with beaaaautiful decor??—iykyk), transformed an old pharmacy into what we now know as Tarrant’s Downtown—a local favorite. Ted meticulously researched and perfected the she-crab soup recipe, with inspiration from his preference for Sherry over Old Bay and his background working near the water, shaping it into the delicious creation it is today.

But wait, Ted's story doesn’t end there! He traveled to the west-end to bring the Tarrant’s magic to a new neighborhood with Tarrant’s West, located at 11129 Three Chopt Rd.

Let's fast forward to 2016—a year marked by profound change and challenges. Ted Santarella, the driving force behind Tarrant’s, lost his battle with cancer. Amidst the emotional highs and lows, I joined the team at Tarrant’s West as Catering Sales Manager and now proudly serve as co-owner alongside Liz Kincaid.

What anchored me here was the empathy extended to me during a time when I had also just lost someone very close to me. The entire Tarrants West team welcomed me with open arms, and it was here that I even met my husband. It was all about embracing the “yes-taurant” and eating “good food, and plenty of it.” Over the past 8 years, despite occasional challenges (or crabby moments), we've stayed focused on our shared goals, shaping our CPG brand into what it is today!

Since its debut beyond restaurant walls, She-Crabby is now available at Little River Seafood, Libbie Market, The Market @ 25th, The Village Market, Red Rooster Country Store, SOJ Farmer’s Market, and the West End Farmer’s Market.

Today, She-Crabby isn’t just a soup; it’s a symbol of tenacity, community, and damn good flavor. Together with Liz and the Tarrant’s team, I’m not just honoring a legacy—I’m crafting a future where She-Crabby soup shines brighter than ever before!

So, whether you’re a local foodie or a traveler passing through, swing by Tarrant’s or Tarrant’s West, grab yourself a bowl of She-Crabby, and taste the story that’s been simmering since the 1800s. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🌟