About Us

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Established in 1998 by Michael and Shelly McGowan, Michael’s Seafood  Restaurant has been receiving rave reviews from locals and visitors for  more than a decade. Its seaside décor and outdoor seating allow you to  enjoy the coastal weather while the catch of the day is seasoned and  served your way. This Carolina Beach favorite is well-known for its  international, award-winning chowder, but there are plenty of other  reasons the locals and visitors to the area flock to this spot. 

When  Michael McGowan passed away in October 2012, his family, friends,  customers and the entire community lost a special person.  Although  Michael was a Cystic Fibrosis patient and lung transplant recipient, he  would not allow physical conditions to limit or define who he was or how  he lived. He was a champion for those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis.   He and his wife Shelly poured their energies and imagination into their  family and business, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant.  Michael and Shelly  became a vital part of Pleasure Island and we have been richer as a  community for all that they have given and done.

We all knew  Michael as a renowned Chef and for his international award winning  seafood chowder, but what made him a person so loved and respected was  the way he choose to live his life:  as an awesome husband, father and  son; to be active in his community as a volunteer, by sponsoring  athletic teams; holding spirit nights to donate a percentage of a day’s  income to local schools; organizing the annual Shrimp Open Golf  Tournament to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Duke Lung  Transplant Program; and to always greet his customers with enthusiasm  and genuine desire to provide them with the best service to make their  dining experience a pleasure.  Through it all, medically, professionally  and personally, Michael always gave back, not only for medical research  but in every way, every day.  There was nothing limited in the life of  Michael McGowan except too short a time with us.

Shelly is committed to keeping Michael’s legacy alive and will continue operating Michael’s Seafood Restaurant.