Despite frigid temperatures and blustery weather, Ford’s Fish Shack in Chantilly launched this Tuesday just in time for dinner.
“We wanted to open a neighborhood restaurant that served very fresh, high quality seafood, but not make you feel like you had to put on your best outfit to come out,” says Tony Stafford, Ford’s Fish Shack chef and owner.
The Chantilly outpost marks the restaurant chain’s third sit-down venture, joining locations in Ashburn in Lansdowne. It also has a handful of mobile and catering options. The difference with this new Chantilly location is that the restaurant owns — not leases — the location.
“This is a big deal for us as Loudoun residents, to actually be able to own property that we have our business on — it’s a rarity these days,” he says. “It proves we’re dedicated to Loudoun County and our concept.”
Started in 2010 in Ashburn, the restaurant group offers comfortable fish shacks like those populating the New England coast, serving fresh fish and seafood. The new location features 28-foot ceilings, attractive neutral tones, and a large outdoor patio that will open during warmer temperatures.
“We wanted to have a more polished, casual feel to the restaurant,” says Stafford. “We wanted you to really feel like you’re walking into a coastal-themed home.”
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner with a wide selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, Ford’s Fish Shack’s menu runs the seafood gamut. Expect fish and seafood dishes, some raw and chilled, as well as some served fried or broiled in pasta, sandwiches, and rolls. Signature offerings include steamed lobster, blackened sea scallops, fish tacos, and New England clam chowder.
Ford’s Fish Shack previously had a location in the area, at the South Riding Market Square. That location closed in July 2023 when the owners announced plans to create the current 6,000 square-foot restaurant. Over the past year and a half of construction of Ford’s new location, its food truck has been selling to-go cuisine on site.
“Everyone was anxious for us to get open, no more than I was anxious to get open,” Stafford says. “We just want to have deep roots in our community.”
25411 Eastern Marketplace Plz., Ste. 100, Chantilly
Feature image courtesy Ford’s Fish Shack
