Joe's Crab Shack Partners With Gourmet Express to Launch Eat-at-Home Meals

HOUSTON, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers now can take the "Shack" home! Houston-based Joe's Crab Shack has partnered with Gourmet Express to introduce a new line of steamed, eat-at-home meals. The initial product launch includes four seafood entrees that steam in the microwave in less than 10 minutes. Each meal serves two people.

Available in the freezer section of more than 900 Wal-Mart locations, these seafood meals are made with simple ingredients and no fillers or additives. The dishes contain zero trans fat, are rich in omega oils, and three of the four meals are gluten free.

"Today's consumers are strapped for time, but looking for quality, affordable, healthy mealtime solutions. Joe's Crab Shack Eat-at-Home Meals for 2 provide quick and flavorful cuisine," says Robin Ahearn, senior vice president of marketing & menu for Ignite Restaurant Group, parent company of Joe's Crab Shack. "Through our partnership with Gourmet Express, we're able to offer Joe's Crab Shack fans an opportunity to further enjoy our cuisine from home, while introducing our brand to new market segments."

Eat-at-home entrees include:

• Cod with Cajun lemon butter sauce, parmesan basil orzo and petite green beans
• Salmon with honey Dijon sauce, jasmine rice and broccoli florets
• Salmon with sesame ginger sauce, sweet potatoes in dark sugar sauce and petite green beans
• Mahi Mahi with tropical salsa, coconut rice and sugar snap peas

Also based in Texas, Gourmet Express specializes in frozen skillet meals. "We were looking for a partner to help us provide imaginative, healthy and convenient meals to consumers. No one delivers beach-inspired fun and seafood flavor better than Joe's Crab Shack and we're thrilled to be partnering with this brand," says Brad Jackson, chief operating officer, Gourmet Express.

Joe's Crab Shack Eat-at-Home Meals for 2, priced at $7-9, will be offered through additional national and regional grocers in 2011. The product line also will grow to include Joe's Crab Shack Appetizers in spring 2011.

About Joe's Crab Shack

Joe's Crab Shack serves buckets of crab, a wide variety of steampots, fish, shrimp, burgers, chicken and festive vacation-style drinks amid a carefree atmosphere.  For more information about Joe's Crab Shack or to find a restaurant near you, visit www.joescrabshack.com. Joe's Crab Shack is owned by the Houston-based Ignite Restaurant Group www.igniterestaurantgroup.com.

About Gourmet Express

Gourmet Express is a Texas-based company specializing in frozen skillet meals. The company started out as a wholesaler and retailer of high quality frozen vegetables in the mid 1990's. Now, the company has over 13 different nutritionally-balanced skillet meals packaged under the Gourmet Dining label. For more information, visit www.gourmetdining.net.

SOURCE Joe’s Crab Shack