Frequently Asked Questions: Your Guide to Oyster Catering in NYC & NJ

What areas do you serve for oyster catering and raw bar events?

We’re based in New York City and proudly serve the NYC metro area and surrounding regions. We also travel for weddings, private parties, and corporate events across the East Coast — bringing our raw bar setup or wandering shuckers wherever the celebration takes us.

If you’re unsure whether we can reach you, just reach out — we’ll tailor a custom quote for your location.

What is The Wandering Shuckers Experience ?

The Wandering Shuckers Experience is our modern take on the old-school bucket shucker tradition — oyster shuckers who once roamed the streets of NYC serving oysters straight from a bucket of ice.

Our wandering shuckers move through your event with custom belt rigs, freshly shucking oysters and serving them directly to your guests. No tables, no lines — just premium oysters, shucked right where the party’s at.

It’s interactive, immersive, and unforgettable — the perfect blend of oyster culture and New York attitude.

What types of events do you cater?

We cater a wide range of events, including:

  • Weddings and rehearsal dinners

  • Corporate parties and brand activations

  • Art gallery openings and pop-ups

  • Private house parties and backyard gatherings

  • Festivals and large-scale events

If there’s a crowd and good energy, we’ll bring the oysters.

What’s included in your oyster catering service?

Every oyster catering experience includes:

  • Premium oysters sourced from sustainable farms across the U.S.

  • A professional oyster shucker providing live service

  • Full raw bar display with ice, seaweed, and decorative setup

  • House-made sauces: cocktail, classic mignonette, curated hot sauces, horseradish, and lemon wedges

  • Compostable serviceware: plates, napkins, and forks

  • Shell recycling whenever possible to support local reef restoration

All events are fully customizable — from oyster varieties to add-on seafood.

Can I hire just an oyster shucker for my event?

Yes! Our “Book a Shucker” service lets you hire a professional oyster shucker to handle and serve oysters you’ve already sourced.

It’s ideal for chefs, caterers, or hosts who want expert shucking without the full raw bar setup.

What additional seafood options do you offer?

We offer a rotating selection of seasonal add-ons to elevate your raw bar, which may include:

  • Shrimp cocktail

  • Smoked salmon

  • Caviar service

  • Crab claws, lobster tails, and king crab (upon request)

All seafood is sourced from trusted partners known for traceability, sustainability, and freshness.

Where do you source your oysters and seafood?

We work directly with oyster farms and distributors across the country — from Maine to Texas.

Each oyster is chosen for flavor, merroir, and sustainability, ensuring a true farm-to-table experience. You’ll always know the name of the farm, where it’s from, and what makes it unique.

What’s the difference between the Wandering Shuckers Experience and a Full Raw Bar setup?

The Wandering Shuckers Experience is interactive and mobile — your shucker moves through the crowd serving guests directly.

The Full Raw Bar setup is stationary and display-focused — a beautiful centerpiece stocked with oysters and seafood presented over ice and seaweed.

Both experiences feature our signature hospitality and storytelling — just in different formats.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, absolutely. Please share any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance, and we’ll make necessary adjustments to ensure everyone can enjoy safely.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend reaching out at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially during peak wedding and event seasons (spring and summer).

That said, we’ll always try to accommodate last-minute bookings if availability allows — it never hurts to ask.

How long is the oyster catering service?

Our standard oyster service runs for approximately two hours, depending on your guest count and event style.

Extended service or multiple shuckers can be arranged for larger events.

Do you provide setup and cleanup?

Yes. We handle the full setup and cleanup of the raw bar or roaming station. You don’t have to lift a finger — just enjoy the oysters and the company.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made well in advance can be rescheduled or refunded depending on event date and commitments.

Once a deposit is placed, it secures both product and personnel, so we recommend confirming your final date early.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept credit cards, Zelle, ACH transfers, and cash. A deposit is required to secure your date, with the balance due prior to your event.

How do I book The Wandering Shuckers Co.

Booking is simple:

  1. Fill out our booking form online.

  2. We’ll reach out to confirm details and availability.

  3. Review and sign your custom proposal and service agreement.

  4. Secure your date with a deposit.

Once confirmed, our team handles the rest — from oysters to ice, setup to service.

Looking for oyster catering near you?

We proudly serve New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond, offering mobile oyster shucking, roving oyster experiences, and premium raw bar catering for weddings, private events, and corporate gatherings.

Bring the raw bar to your guests — wherever they are.

SCHedule a call