Our Story

Urban Family Restaurants is the brain-child of husband-and-wife duo, Bonnie and Nathan Shea, and Executive Chef Salvatore Gisellu. After opening Urban Crust, a wood-fired pizza and Italian food concept, in 2009, and Urban Rio, a Mexican food concept, in 2012, Urban Family Restaurants was officially born. The opening of Urban Seafood Company in June 2021 will make the Urban Family concepts a trio.

As longtime Plano residents and entrepreneurs, the Sheas have energized the local activities and economy, and are passionately involved in community-related events, sponsorships and in-kind support through their restaurants.

Chef Salvatore began his culinary journey in Italy, and after moving to the United States in 1991, he lead some of Dallas’s favorite restaurants like Arocodoro, Pomodoro and Daddy Jack’s Grill.

Why Urban Seafood Company?

Inspired by New England destinations like Nantucket and Boston and recognizing a gap in the options available for fresh seafood in the area, owners Bonnie and Nathan Shea, and Executive Chef/Partner Salvatore Gisellu began cultivating the idea for Urban Seafood Company.

“I grew up in Sardinia, an island off the coast of Italy, so seafood is like second nature to me,” Chef Salvatore said, “and Nathan’s absolute favorite thing is fresh seafood. This being our next venture as business partners was an easy decision.”

The menu, created by Chef Salvatore, will feature coastal favorites like a warm lobster roll and wood-grilled fish specials and house-made pasta dishes. Guests will also enjoy a fresh oyster bar with daily offerings sourced from the East Coast and beyond, shucked bar-side. Craft cocktails and wine and bubbles on tap will be offered to complement each dish.

“One of mine and Bonnie’s favorite things to do,” Nathan said, “is travel around New England, try all the amazing food, and relax by the water. We knew we had to bring a piece of that experience to downtown Plano.”