Menemsha Fish Market has been a harbor staple for decades with scores of devoted fans, but this is the first year its clam chowder has taken first place in the annual Best of the Vineyard readers’-choice contest, presented by Martha’s Vineyard magazine. Stanley Larsen, who owns the fish market with his wife, Lanette, never expected to win glory, focusing instead on delivering consistently fresh seafood year-round.

“I never gave it much thought,” Larsen told the magazine in an email the day after the awards were announced at Farm Neck Golf Club in Oak Bluffs. “I think I got the vote because the chowder is good. It has many flavors and there is a lot of clam in it.”

It probably helps that customers can enjoy their chowder on the Menemsha docks, or take it with them for the short walk down to Menemsha Beach, known for its calm tide and panoramic sunsets. When asked which aspect of his business Larsen values most, he said the people who make it run every day.

“Usually, I am most proud of my wife and family and employees who make the fish market function. They are the ones who make it work. The business has been here since 1946. [Previously, it was known as Poole’s Fish Market and operated by the late Everett Poole. Larsen bought the business in 2004 and rechristened it Menemsha Fish Market.] I am going on twenty years and hope to operate in such a way to give our customers good memories. Young ones and seniors. Locals and visitors.”

As a year-round business owner, fisherman, and fish market owner, Larsen isn’t used to taking hiatuses. But like many other business owners, he had to reassess during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The last couple of years, I would say the Covid years, have been quite the rollercoaster ride,” Larsen said. “When Covid hit, most businesses shut down. We stayed open, with less than a handful of employees, going into an uncertain future…
“We knew we had to do what we could to help our friends and neighbors. Many people were put out of work and living paycheck-to-paycheck. We distributed care packages to all who wanted any and did deliveries three nights a week to those who did not want to venture out. It was exhausting, stressful, and scary. Not knowing if we would live or die from the outbreak. Like most people, we took a couple pretty good hits.”

In July 2021, Larsen contracted Lyme disease, a difficult setback during the busiest time of the year. That September, he caught Covid, knocking a sizable dent into his savings.

“You get knocked down, but got to get back up and get going again,” he said. “All of us experience these things from time to time. Adapting to changes is an all-too-common experience in life.”

Above all, Larsen is especially thankful for his customers for the recognition, and for keeping the business afloat.

“Our customers are great,” Larsen shared. “They have been helpful in understanding our predicament. Supporting our changes and upbuilding us with happy hellos and encouraging support. Seeing all the beautiful smiles again and even getting some very missed hugs reminds us of the love our community shares. Thank you, everyone!!”