Background
Copps Island Oysters is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated shellfish farming company. Founded in 1994 by Norm Bloom, Copps Island Oysters (which is owned by Norm Bloom & Son, LLC) began as a small operation with a single scow and a modest crew of three and has grown into one of the largest oyster farms on the East Coast. The company has expanded beyond shellfish farming and now owns real estate, a marina, kelp farms, food trucks, a beauty/skincare line and two retail stores.
For the past 10 years, the attorneys at FLB Law have served as legal counsel to Copps Island Oysters, representing the company in nearly every facet of its business.
Highlights
The attorneys at FLB Law have been instrumental in helping Copps Island Oysters become a thriving, multi-faceted company. In addition to assisting with specific projects, FLB Law provides counsel on all aspects of the company’s operation that require legal guidance.
Business Transactions: FLB Law has represented Copps Island Oysters in various transactions to acquire other businesses and assets in the shellfish industry.
Land Use & Real Estate Transactions: FLB Law has represented Copps Island Oysters in both the acquisition and sale of real property, as well as leasing needs. The firm helps to close transactions for properties that support the company’s growth and expansion. One notable project involved the acquisition of the former Brown’s Marina in Stratford, CT, from its original owners and the opening of its flagship Oyster Shack location at the marina.
FLB Law worked with Stratford’s various boards and commissions to obtain the necessary approvals to operate a food truck at the marina. As part of the proposal, the Bloom family decided to upgrade the marina, including the addition of their lifestyle store, “The Oysterman’s Daughter,” and various landscaping features.
Corporate Law & Intellectual Property: FLB Law’s Hospitality practice also created the corporate structure to support the expansion of Copps Island Oysters as it diversifies its business to include frozen foods, restaurants and food trucks. In addition to the Oyster Shack, the company rents its catering food truck, the Shuck Truck, for private parties and festivals. The Bloom family also has ownership interests in brick-and-mortar restaurants such as Match Burger Lobster, located in Westport, Connecticut.
The firm also assisted with forming the corporate entity for the family’s foray into the beauty industry with its line of skincare products created with sugar kelp grown and cultivated on the company’s grounds.
Paramount in all of these ventures is the protection of the “Copps Island” brand, making the creation of licensing agreements for the new business models a key component to helping the company grow.
The Future
FLB has served as a key partner to Copps Island Oysters with its growth and expansion over the past several years and will continue to assist the company as it moves into its fourth generation.
For more information about FLB Law’s services, visit our website or call Eric Bernheim @ 475-236-5203.
