For the last eight years, the Krewe of BB’s Tex-Orleans, location-wide, comes together to one location to battle it out for the title of Oyster Shucking Champions! The Oyster Olympics is one of two annual employee events, the second being the Bar Olympics; that BB’s holds to bring the Krewe together for a bit of friendly competition between the stores. There is always TONS of fun to be had, with prizes and beer donated by Saint Arnold Brewing Company (who also judged the event!), lots of coffee, beer and cocktails, a taco truck, and even a DJ (Parker with Swaded Sounds)! We also partner with the Galveston Bay Foundation, who takes our oyster shells to use for the Oyster Shell Recycling Program, which they use in habitat restoration projects. The Krewemates from each location always come up with a dress up theme, too! Last year, the title went to our Krewe at our Oak Forest location! They won some Awesome SWAG and Braggin’ Rights for the year, along with getting to display the trophy in their location until the next Oyster Olympics came around. Well, this past Saturday, April 15, 2023, after being judged on the number of PERFECT oysters shucked and TEAM SPIRIT, we crowned our 2023 Oyster Olympics Champs: the Krewe at our BB’S HEIGHTS location located at 2701 White Oak in the beautiful Houston Heights!! One of their Krewemates, Drew Brown, even won the title of BB’s Tex-Orleans BEST All-Around Oyster Shucking Champion 2023! Drew faced off (never been done before) with Tony from Oak Forest, due to a tie! We sat down with Drew to ask him a few questions about his experience with oysters, shucking, and the competition, and here’s what he had to say.
BB’s Tex-Orleans: When did you first learn how to shuck oysters?
Drew: I first learned to shuck oysters when I started working for BB’s. January of 2021. Carlos Lagunas (referring to our District Manager, then GM) taught me.
BB’s Tex-Orleans: Do you like to eat oysters? If so, do you dress them up at all?
Drew: I’ve shucked many and many oysters since being with BB’s. I have yet to personally eat oysters lol. I just love shucking them.
BB’s Tex-Orleans: Did you dedicate a lot of time to practicing for the Olympics?
Drew: Yes! The moment I learned how to shuck, and found out we had the Olympics, I made it a point to get better and better just to win. I would be the first one to volunteer on shift to shuck whenever it was needed.
BB’s Tex-Orleans: Did you have a hand in training the rest of your team for the Olympics?
Drew: My team was great. Everyone already had shucking experience. With Manny, who won last year, Melissa, who’s one of the best shuckers I’ve ever worked with, and Megan, who also has an oyster shucking background. Let’s just say I was very confident in our team.
BB’s Tex-Orleans: How did it feel to be crowned the BB’s Tex-Orleans Oyster Shucking Champ of 2023?
Drew: It was an amazing feeling. I felt like I accomplished something I’ve always wanted to accomplish within the company. After last year’s event, I felt I should have won. So, I put in a lot of practice, and I wasn’t going to let any oyster stand in my way! I tried different techniques until I found the most effective way for me to feel comfortable.
BB’s Tex-Orleans: Do you plan to compete again next year?
Drew: Not only do I plan on winning next year, I plan on winning the most championships in BB’s company history and be labeled “The Greatest Shucker”!
Everyone was buzzing with excitement over the event, and it’s always something our whole Krewe, and even some of our AMAZING guests, look forward to! We really Love being able to hold these events, and to see the smiles and excitement they bring to our Krewe. Maybe you’ll join us for the next one! Everyone’s invited, and we can’t wait to see you there, cheering on your FAV BB’s Krewe!
To learn more about Galveston Bay Foundation’s Oyster Recycling Program, you can click this link!
