Family, customers and freshness come first at Fulgi's market 

Family, customers and freshness come first at Fulgi's market

Fulgi's Seafood & Meats is all in the family. Father Fulgencio (nicknamed Fulgi.a is joined by his daughter. and even his nephew in running their retail and wholesale quality seafood and meat business. "I tried working at a retail clothing shop and I hated it. of leaving the business to try something new for a while. "Here. I love it." And she loves working for her father. "He's my best friend."Fulgi Valma?a has been in the seafood business since he was ten years old. The son of a fisherman. he grew up in Miami and knows the business inside and out. Local customers count on him for quality seafood and steaks. as do many local restaurant owners who want fresh. local products."We started in the old flea market in 1999. customers there wanted to know where I was during the week. I wanted to establish myself. so I opened the shop." Of the now-closed Naples tradition. "We met so many interesting people there at the flea market." Those loyal customers helped launch his business.The Valma?as are obsessed with quality and natural foods. "We cut our own fish. and grade our own shrimp." He said they get all their seafood locally. right off local boats. from local fishermen.He believes chemical-free food is a must. Recently. the shop's massive display case was lined with fresh fish. including a 12-pound grouper. and plenty of shrimp. "That's our biggest seller here; people in Naples love shrimp. the shrimp in the case may look odd. "They're head-on." he said. "A lot of people aren't used to that."They also sell a lot of steaks. especially in the summer. "It's barbecue time." Fulgi noted. "I take a lot of pride in the quality of the cuts." adding that he only uses Iowa beef. "It's the highest grade. taste and quality." The Valma?as also make all of their sausage and deli meats in-house. One of his best-selling specialties is a fresh chunky tuna salad. "Our tuna salad is fresh yellowtail." he said.What does he like most about a family business? "Your kids can come to work with you. You can't do that when you work for someone else."What does the owner like to do on his days off? "Spend time with my family." Fulgi said. "Then there is always my 'honey do' list. 'Honey.'" he said with a smile."And believe it or not." said daughter Meilin.The shop also carries different lines of condiments to enhance their products. "We have the best barbecue sauce ever. referring to the Everglades Moppin' Sauce."These are all local products. showing his unique line. which includes Gator Hammock Hogwild Sauce. Gator Hammock Gator Sauce and the Everglades sauces. "We also have different high-grade spices that compliment fish and meats."The entire family takes great pride in their business. "I think that's because I've seen my dad work so hard since I was young." said Meilin. "He wouldn't sell anything he wouldn't put on the table for us.""We do take pride in what we do. and in being family-oriented." her father said.Of their customers. he noted: "When they come to me they are looking for fresh product. free of sulfites. I have a very diversified customer base. a lot of Europeans. Russians; it's like an international market here."Fulgi's Seafood & Meats is located at 5496 Rattlesnake-Hammock Road.





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