Catalina Offshore Products

5202 Lovelock Street, San Diego, CA

About

It's not accurate to call Catalina Offshore Products a secret. The local seafood purveyor has been in business for more than 25 years, and during that time it's grown to be one of the largest seafood import and export companies in California. Still, for many reasons, it feels like a hidden gem. First there's its location – tucked away in the industrial enclave west of Morena Boulevard, near the southern end. You'd never find it unless you were trying. Indeed wholesalers and restaurants make up the bulk of Catalina's customers. Walk in the front doors, and there's no sign of any retail operation. It feels like you've intruded upon an office (albeit one scented with the briny aroma of fresh fish.) But if Catalina doesn't cater to retail consumers, it does sell to them. Put on a gauzy hairnet, and an employee will lead you back through hallways and other offices, into the bustling warehouse. Although most of its products come from fishermen in San Diego and Baja California, Catalina also offers frozen items from farther afield. One way to get an idea what's available is from the website: http://www.catalinaop.com. Another is just to walk in; the address is 5202 Lovelock Street. Walk-in hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

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