Brown Bag Seafood Co.
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  • Committed to Quality

Our Story

Doing Seafood Better Since 2014

You shouldn't need a white tablecloth to get fresh, delicious seafood. In fact, we think it tastes a lot better when it's prepared fast and served hot off the grill by our crew, always with our blue bandanas and a smile. We're here to bring seafood to the masses - with a dash of creativity, a whole lot of love, a squeeze of lemon, and not an ounce of pretentiousness. Your food is coming in a brown bag, and we're pretty sure there's no better way to enjoy it.

From our classic Salmon Powerbox to our Crispy Cod Tacos (and everything in between!), we use fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, flown in from around the world every day. Whether you prefer to relax on the patio with a house-made cocktail or grab a healthy meal to go between meetings, you can always count on us. 

Our Mission

Delicious. Friendly. Responsible.

Delicious. Every bite should delight you - and that takes a lot of care and effort. It takes premium ingredients and fresh seafood flown in daily. It takes veggies, soups and sauces made from scratch in every restaurant, every morning. It takes creative, rotating menu items developed by our own passionate crew members. But for all it takes, it gives much more - an unforgettable experience for our guests. 

Friendly. It’s not enough to serve great food. We strive to leave our guests happier than when they came in. We want to know your name and your go-to order, sure, but also your interests and weekend plans. We want you to feel at home in our restaurants, whether you're popping in for a minute to pick up an online order or bringing the whole family for dinner. It's why we've ditched the traditional white tablecloths and black ties of the seafood experience for blue bandanas and brown t-shirts, traded leather-bound menus for DIY menu cards and scrapped scripted wait staff for our genuine, personable crew. If we're doing our jobs right, we're not only making great food, but making great friends as well. 

Responsible. Just as we strive to leave our guests happier than they were when they came in, the same is true of how we aim to treat the environment around us. That’s why we only source seafood approved by the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch, and do our part to prevent species from becoming underpopulated and harmful fishing practices from being employed. It’s also why we rely on wind energy to power our restaurants, create menu items that help achieve near-zero food waste, invest in energy-efficient kitchen equipment and use fully biodegradable packaging products (as minimally as possible). Of course, there’s a cost to being responsible. It’s one we’re more than happy to bear. 

Our Team

  • Donna Lee
    Founder & CEO

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    About May 2011 - 3 years before we opened for business!

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Veggiebox, with a little bit of tartar sauce in the corner.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Creating new things and watching them come to life. Optimizing what we already do. Hanging out and collaborating with a bunch of hilarious, quirky and committed people.

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Evanston, IL | Eating in the bath. | My besties and my bro.

  • Zach Flanzman
    President & COO

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    January 2017.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Greens and Grains with garlic bread.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Debating tough questions, thinking about the future, and seeing results in action. With a quick break to work Expo during lunch. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Scotch Plains, NJ | Chili's Bottomless Chips & Salsa | Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, Alexander Hamilton.

  • Chrissie Ingolia
    Director of Operations

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    June 2016.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Curry Fish Cakes Greens & Grains (gotta have the creamy ginger!).

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Optimizing our guests' experience and participating in the collaboration as I watch other ideas come to life. Watching a crew member learning something new and seeing their pure joy and excitement is pretty cool too!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Davenport, IA | Pasta, a glass of red wine, and a rom com. | Derek Jeter, Anthony Bourdain, Joanna Gaines.

  • Jess Dietrich
    Director of Talent

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    May 2020.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Greens & Grains with Golden Ginger Lime.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The people and the culture, definitely. It’s incredible to see individuals grow within the organization and how everyone works well together.

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Mount Prospect, IL | Watching 90 Day Fiancé on TLC | Michael Jordan, Freddy Mercury, Ryan Reynolds & Kathleen Zellner.

  • Melissa Powell
    Catering Sales Coordinator

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    July 2018.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Salad with garlic bread.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Honestly, talking about Brown Bag! It surprises me when I meet someone who hasn't come by one of our locations! Our food is absolutely delicious, sustainable and delightfully tasty!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Port Jarvis, NY | Drumstick ice cream cones. | My sisters and my dad.

  • Kath Cole
    Area Manager, Chicago

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    March 2019.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Greens & Grains.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The incredible teamwork, support from leadership, and all the small, but important details that make it fun! 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Allegan, MI | Coffee | My amazing dad, John Cole.

  • Ana Mendiola
    Area Manager, Chicago

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    July 2021.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Our Seasonal BBQ Salmon, Bacon & Bleu Salad, sub Grilled Chicken.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Making meals side by side with my favorite people. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | The Texas Flower from Texas Corral. | Selena Gomez, Michelle Obama, my kiddies (and since my kids will be there, we can add Spiderman!).

  • Jheanelle White
    Area Manager, Atlanta

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    August 2019.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Veggiebox with Supergreen Garlic & Herb.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The comfortable work atmosphere; everyone can be themselves while working towards our overall goal as a company. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Portmore, Jamaica | Binging TV shows. | Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, and my aunt (RIP Auntie Kayon).

  • Kayla Jones
    Area Manager, Charlotte

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    June 2022.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Fish & Chips.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The teamwork environment.

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Atlanta, GA | Pasta | All of my close friends who live out of state! It's been 5-15 years since I've seen some of them. It would be cool to have them all in the same room.

  • Stephen Troost
    General Manager

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    June 2021.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Grilled Chicken Powerbox.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Building and cross-training a great team to keep our guests coming! 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Villa Park, IL | Chocolate Milk. I can drink a gallon a day if I wanted to. | Rivers Cuomo, Warren Zevon, and Dave Grohl.

  • Omar Nadeem
    General Manager, Lakeshore East

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    March 2023.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Grilled Shrimp Tacos with some corn and crispy onions on top.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Our goofy team!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Parkersburg, VA. | Watching the Lord of the Rings extended versions more often than one person should. | Walder Frey, because he seems like he knows how to party.

  • Franklin Piazza
    General Manager, Riverside

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    June 2015.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Crispy Shrimp Tacos.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    How eager everyone is to teach others and pass on knowledge about cooking and recipes.

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Playing video games. | Banksy, Kurt Vonnegut, Anthony Bourdain.

  • Donesha Fox
    General Manager, River North

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    June 2017.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Our Seasonal Spicy Shrimp Gumbo from winter 2018!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The interactions with the guests and the team! We get to be up close and personal with guests and also build a bond that brings us close as a team. I love it!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Singing my heart out while driving! | Martin Luther King, Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur (3 different ways to master peace!).

  • Shawanda Alexander
    General Manager, Willis Tower

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    April 2018.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Blackened Fish Sandwich.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    My team. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Strawberry ice cream | Ellen, The Obamas, P!nk.

  • Terreon Williams
    General Manager, Lincoln Park

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    August 2021.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Grilled Chicken Strips.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The environment and working with the team to defeat challenges each day. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | 90s R&B music...it's different. | Family, friends, Kevin Hart and Mike Epps. Never too much humor in one room.

  • Dee Shepherd
    General Manager, Gold Coast

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    March 2019.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Veggiebox.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The staff! 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Chips | LSC & J-Lo..

  • Nakendra Currie
    General Manager, Naperville

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    January 2023.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Grilled Salmon Caesar.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Seeing my crew grow and become more confident in their abilities. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    San Diego, CA | I love collecting pens from businesses, libraries, banks, etc. | Beyoncé, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 2pac.

  • Dion Webb
    General Manager, Midtown

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    September 2019.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Because I'm a little extra...a Grilled Chicken sando using the lobster roll bun with sauteed pickled red onions and chipotle-tartar.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Interacting with our guests! We have so many interesting people come through our doors and I love hearing how much they love our food...not to mention I can get a quick dance move out! 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Playing my game. | Lil Uzi Vert, Seth Rogen, Monkey D. Luffy.

  • Lowla Allen
    General Manager, Westside Provisions

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    August 2021.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Powerbox with Veggie Blend, blackened.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Cleaning and prepping!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Columbus, OH | Infusions Cooking. | Dr. Dre., Chris Brown, Vin Diesel.

  • Rose Norberg
    General Manager, Perimeter

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    September 2020.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Lobster Roll.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Howe we all work together to get things done! 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Elkhart, IN | Pizza | My daughter.

  • Sycine Riggins
    General Manager, Uptown

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    November 2023.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Greens & Grains.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Being able to put a smile on the teams' and guests' faces!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Brooklyn, NY | Any show with characters with superpowers | Ciara - she's an amazing dancer and seems like someone to have fun with!

  • Matayis Smith
    General Manager, Birkdale Village

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    August 2022.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Greens & Grains!!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Bring TRUE to myself and making my team happy because I love them dearly. Keeping smiles on their faces keeps me going!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Augusta, GA | MUSIC ALL DAY EVERYDAY! | My BB crew and my friends and family!

  • Morgan Tolbert
    #2, Lakeshore East

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    July 2023.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Definitely a Curry Fish Cakes Greens & Grains with a Mini Chowdah!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    My team! It's such a great and joyous environment. We all love what we do and love spreading that joy to our guests. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Binge watching 90 Day Fiancé. | Naomi Campbell and my 4 siblings. Ain't no party like a Tolbert party.

  • Theodore Lipari
    #2, Roscoe Village

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    April 2024.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Chowdah all day every day!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The team! (The food goes without saying.)

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Kent, England | Just keep chocolate away from me. | Oh man, a lot of jazz musicians. From Wes Montgomery to Herbie Hancock, from Casiopea to Luiz Bonfá, from Animals as Leaders to Eberhard Weber, everyone’s invited! I don’t have enough time or space to list everyone!

  • Paula Jones
    #2, River North

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    February 2022.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Our Salmon Caesar - it's very flavorful!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Getting to build a bond and interact with my team and guests!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Guilty please of mine is that I don't watch television. | My whole Brown Bag family.

  • Jose Sanchez
    #2, Riverside

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    October 2021.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Grilled Chicken Veggiebox.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The staff and the enviroment!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Spirit Animal? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Providence, RI | Panther | My son.

  • Johnny Ramirez
    #2, Willis Tower

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    July 2021.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Grilled Shrimp Veggiebox with Supergreen Garlic & Herb and Buffalo Bleu Tots. And a refreshing Gingerade!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Lots to choose from. Having a good and supportive team and having fun while we put smiles on our guests' faces by the time they walk out of the restaurant!

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Spirit Animal? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Warsaw, IN | A bird, any bird! | Jennifer Lopez, Tiffany Haddish, Alyssa Edwards and my best friends!

  • Xin Qi
    #2, Naperville

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    September 2023.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Salmon Greens & Grains with Lobster Sauce.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    I enjoy the teamwork, laughing together and providing great customer service and seeing our guests come back. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Beijing, China | Rewarding myself with a piece of chocolate cake, even though it doesn't align with my healthy eating plan | Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Kobe Bryant

  • Christian Bauer
    #2, Naperville

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    June 2024.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Mega Protein Powerbox!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The people! And being able to serve great food..

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Lisle, IL | Fried foods | My late grandma, and mom so we could share some laughs and good food.

  • Aubrey Murray
    #2, Westside Provisions

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    August 2023.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Chowdah with Tots, or our seasonal Pepperjack Shrimp & Grits.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Interacting with guests and just being around the Brown Bag family. Finding ways to grow and bond is important and I look forward to every day with my team! 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Atlanta, GA | My sweet tooth! Must haves are my Reese's and Oreos | Eddie Murphy, Prince and Donna Lee

  • Larissa Jones
    #2, Midtown

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    May 2024.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    The TACOS!!!!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Guest interaction and the vibe of our restaurant.. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Chocolate!!! | The entire Brown Bag family & Cardi B!

  • Terry Morrison
    #2, Perimeter

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    August 2022.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    The Lobster Roll.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Interacting with our guests and making sure their experiences are positive and memorable.

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Royston, GA | Pasta | Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, Fantasia, Leandria Johnson, Kelonte Gavin.

  • Shawna Heath
    #2, South End

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    May 2024.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    So far, the Fish & Chips. I plan to venture out as everything is so good!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    The atmosphere and the people. Everyone is so helpful and I feel the "teamwork makes the dream work" vibe. I love that. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Charlotte, NC | Cartoons and Legos | Belive it or not, my granny. She is 91, but a lot of fun; my sister, who is my best friend; my dad, who inspires me; I'd really invite my whole family because we're so close. And, Taylor Swift and Russell Dickerson

  • Amani Roberts
    #2, Lakeshore East

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    April 2024.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    The Lobster Roll - so yummy and buttery!

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Connecting with the crew and our guests, and learning new things every day.

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Harlem, NY | Cookie dough | Kai Cenat - he's hilarious!

  • Ambrielle Golden
    #2, Gold Coast

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    January 2023.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Grilled Chicken Tacos with Classic Tots and a side of our delicious Buttermilk Ranch.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Seeing the reactions of first-timers. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Indulging in chips and reality TV | Mom, Drake, and Whitney Houston.

  • Andre Thomas
    #2, Uptown

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    May 2023.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    Grilled catch & grilled shrimp quesadilla (off menu!).

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Making new friends, and working on being less nerdy every day! Solving problems and being a ninja! 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Chicago, IL | Toonami | Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Anderson Silva, MF DOOM, The Undertaker and Tony Ferguson.

  • Shaun Ramos
    #2, Birkdale Village

    When did you join the Brown Bag team?

    March 2022.

    What's your favorite meal at Brown Bag?

    The Blackened Fish Sandwich, sub grilled chicken.

    What's your favorite part of your job?

    Interacting with guests and staff. 

    Quick Hits: Hometown? | Guilty Pleasure? | Dinner Party Guests?

    Lower East Side, Manhattan, NYC | Mixing all types of foods together | A 2000's themed party with all my crew members past and present as well as higher-ups so we can all enjoy good food and music together.

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