Keisha's Crab Shack returns to South with bigger menu, private dining and plans to revive La Familia Hotel

After months away from its original home, Keisha’s Crab Shack has officially reopened in South Ruimveldt, with owner Keisha Elliott promising customers a more personal dining experience, an expanded menu and the return of one of the area’s best-known landmarks. The popular seafood restaurant has reopened at Aubrey Barker Road and Tucville Bridge, South Ruimveldt Gardens, after temporarily relocating to the Georgetown Seawall while the government carried out reconstruction works on Aubrey Barker Road. “Now that they’ve completed the road, I’m back here in South,” Elliott explained. For Elliott, the move back represents more than returning to a familiar location. She believes it allows her to reconnect with customers in a way that wasn’t possible at the food court by the seawall. “I’m excited because it gives me a chance to show people great customer service and have persons come out with their family and dine and enjoy seafood,” she said. “Here in South we can personally deal with persons. You can come and sit, have lunch or dinner, and really experience what Keisha’s Crab Shack is all about.” The reopening comes with several upgrades aimed at attracting families, corporate groups and people celebrating special occasions. The restaurant now features private dining rooms, including one that accommodates up to 20 guests and another that seats 10, making it suitable for birthdays, meetings and other private events. Elliott has also expanded the menu beyond the seafood dishes that made the restaurant popular. While customers can still enjoy the signature crab boils, they can now create their own seafood boil by adding lobster tails, mussels, calamari and other seafood of their choice. Recognising that not everyone in a group may enjoy seafood, the menu has also been broadened to include ribeye steak, lamb, tacos, burgers and chicken tenders. “I realised that even though people love seafood, someone they come with may want a steak or lamb instead,” she said. “So I wanted to cater for everyone.” The restaurant owner also said food safety remains a priority, particularly for customers with seafood allergies. She explained that different seafood items are prepared using separate pots and cooking oil to minimise cross-contamination, while staff are trained to ask diners about allergies before serving meals. Elliott added that she is also working to equip staff with additional emergency response training for allergic reactions. “I want people to feel comfortable dining here,” she said. “We’re always asking customers if they have any allergies before we prepare or serve their food.” Beyond the restaurant itself, Elliott is also reviving another familiar name. The building, once widely known as La Familia Hotel, was developed by Elliott and her late husband about 25 years ago and operated as La Familia Country Club. She said the upper floor will soon reopen as La Familia Hotel, restoring a name that many Guyanese still associate with the property. “I want to bring back that history because this building is a landmark,” Elliott said. “When you tell people ‘La Familia,’ they know exactly where you’re talking about.” As Keisha’s Crab Shack begins this new chapter, Elliott said she is looking forward to welcoming old and new customers alike. “I just want to invite everyone to come down, enjoy the atmosphere and experience the new location,” she said. “I’m open to feedback because that’s how we continue to improve and give customers the best experience possible.”