Our In Their Words series of blogposts introduces you to businesses throughout Texas that Mission works with. Hear from chefs and owners as they discuss recipes for success and how Mission Restaurant Supply helps along the way. This post was originally published on September 19, 2018, with the title 40 Years of Family and Casual Beach Dining.

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Jay Kenigsberg and his wife Stephanie are the owners of Seafood and Spaghetti Works in Port Aransas, Texas.

In the summer of 2018, the duo celebrated the restaurant's 40th anniversary, a milestone that was particularly poignant and meaningful considering the year they faced together after Hurricane Harvey.

"Mission did everything they could to help us. If there was a problem, they were out here right away."

When the Kenigsbergs arrived back at their business after the storm, Jay assumed everything was fine based on exterior appearances.

Walking in, however, the stark opposite proved to be true. "It was like walking on another planet," he said. He and his team oversaw immense restorations, including ripping out over 5,000 feet of tile that had been damaged.

Volunteers came from both in and out of the state to help the Kenigsbergs rebuild their beloved restaurant.

Our team at Mission is grateful to have been able to assist with a small part of the family's recovery effort.

"Mission did everything they could to help us," said Jay. "If there was a problem, they were out here right away."

Walking into Seafood & Spaghetti Works today, visitors will immediately feel the Kenigsberg's warm, inviting ambiance.

This is a popular place, a true family-run business, and an important gathering spot for the local community.

On a recent visit to the restaurant, our team noticed anew the many black and white family photos that covered the walls mixed with paintings of birds and seaside horizons.

Jay and Stephanie work together on all facets of the business, which is also known locally as "Jay's" or simply "Spaghetti Works."

Above the large wooden bar, a lit-up, lettered sign spells out "JAY'S" while just past the front door a painted board reads "Stephanie's Stuff," marking the entrance to an adjoining boutique. Here, Stephanie sells home goods, clothes, and curated coastal charm in her quaint beach shop.

Inside the large dome-shaped restaurant, an earthy tangle of lit-up branches hangs overhead the tables adding a dramatic touch to the interior.

Patrons pile into Seafood & Spaghetti Works every day for their favorite dishes, such as soft-shell crabs and their locally-famous shrimp enchiladas.

This is casual, fresh, beach dining at its best. Chalkboard signs display the week's specials, which rarely disappoint.

Everything is made from scratch and personally checked by Stephanie to ensure the best taste and quality control.

Our Mission Team is honored to work with businesses like Seafood & Spaghetti Works and to partner with people like the Kenigsbergs.

Over the years, we've worked together on everything from equipment and supply packages to ice machine leases, yet, at the end of the day, it's always about the relationship. "I don't feel like it's just 'sign here and get a piece of equipment,'" said Jay. "They'll work on any aspect of what our needs are and spend the time with us."

Becoming a staple in a community takes a lot of love and dedication. Stephanie and Jay, who met in Port Aransas decades ago, exemplify these qualities.

Today, the couple have five children all of whom have worked in the restaurant at some point during their upbringing. It's a real family affair and the employees at Seafood and Spaghetti Works have watched the Kenigsberg kids grow up.

Despite the setbacks and damage that Hurricane Harvey brought with it, our friends at Seafood and Spaghetti Works are stronger than ever, continuing onward after forty years in business.

Seafood and Spaghetti Works is located at
910 State Highway 361
Port Aransas, TX 78373
(seafoodspaghettiworks.wordpress.com)