Hearts of Galveston: Episode 2
Jeff Antonelli on Service, Stewardship and the Soul of Galveston
Most islanders know Jeff Antonelli as the man behind Shrimp ‘N Stuff. Fewer know his decades of civic service—on the Planning Commission, with the early Galveston County Food Bank, and in countless acts of quiet generosity. In this 38-minute conversation with The 1839, Jeff shares what drives him: family legacy, community gratitude, and a belief that Galveston’s future depends on balance—between growth and preservation, business and responsibility.
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Summary
Most islanders know Jeff Antonelli as the man behind Shrimp ‘N Stuff, but his roots in service run much deeper. In this conversation, Jeff shares how his family’s legacy of helping others shaped his own decades of civic involvement—from the Planning Commission to the early Galveston County Food Bank—and how those experiences taught him the balance between growth, preservation, and gratitude.
He reflects on rebuilding after Hurricane Ike, supporting city workers, and creating jobs that let families stay on the island. From switching to eco-friendly packaging to championing local gardens and wetlands, Jeff’s message is simple: Galveston thrives when its people care for one another. “We may argue day to day,” he says, “but when it matters, we’re family.”
~ David Landriault
Watch the Full Interview
In this episode of Hearts of Galveston, Jeff Antonelli shares how family legacy, community gratitude, and quiet acts of service have shaped both his life and the island he loves.
Podcast: Hearts of Galveston, Episode 2
Prefer to Listen
Here’s the audio version of my conversation with Jeff Antonelli. Whether you’re on a walk, driving, or just taking a moment, I hope you enjoy it.
Legacy, Leadership, and Heart
Jeff Antonelli on Service, Stewardship and the Soul of Galveston
A Family Tradition of Helping
“My grandmother was born here, and after the 1900 Storm our family went back to Italy and helped rebuild after the war. I grew up watching my grandparents help people—build small community hospitals. Service to others was just the thing to do.”
That sense of duty came naturally when Jeff returned to Galveston and built both a business and a life of community involvement.
Shrimp ‘N Stuff and Resilience
Jeff bought Shrimp ‘N Stuff in 2008—just before Hurricane Ike. “After the storm I got calls from Dallas, Fort Worth, even Illinois asking if we were okay. It showed me how much the place meant to people.”
Today the restaurant has three locations, including a downtown spot that adds grilled and broiled Gulf favorites. “People came to Galveston for grilled and broiled seafood—snapper, shrimp. We wanted to bring that back.”
Lessons from the Planning Commission
Serving on the Commission gave Jeff perspective on coastal growth. “Water lines change, storms come, dunes erode—and we have to find a balance between economic development and preserving our island.”
He also learned how misunderstood city boards can be. “People think we can fix everything, but we have to follow the law. Sometimes you’re telling friends no, and that’s hard.”
Appreciating Public Workers
Jeff is known for quietly feeding city crews during emergency repairs. “The people who pick up our trash or fix water lines keep us safe too. If they don’t show up, we’d have outbreaks and rodents. They deserve appreciation just like police and firefighters.”
For him, gratitude is part of public safety.
Building Jobs that Keep Families Here
“We need jobs that let people live on the island,” Jeff says. “When I graduated from O’Connell there were 120 students. Now the numbers are way down because people followed the jobs.”
He’s hopeful about new industrial growth and potential ship-building work at the Port. “Those jobs—$80,000 to $120,000 a year—let people raise families here again.”
Ecotourism and Everyday Stewardship
“One of our biggest sources of tourism is birding,” Jeff explains. “Between Anahuac and High Island is a major migration route. Those visitors spend money and help preserve wetlands.”
He praises programs like Seeding Galveston and the school gardens: “Kids learn how food is grown. It changes them—and it strengthens the community.”
Doing Business the Right Way
When his daughter questioned the use of Styrofoam, Jeff listened. “The eco-friendly cups cost more, but we found a way. There’s more to it than the bottom line.”
That same mindset shapes how he serves customers—and neighbors.
Why He Stays
“People joke about being ‘taxed off the island,’” he says with a smile, “but this is home. There’s still work to be done.”
Whether rebuilding after storms or feeding those in need, Jeff’s goal remains simple: help where you can, without judgment. “When things go bad—hurricanes, freezes, floods—we all pull together. Galveston may argue day to day, but when it matters, we’re family.”
Closing:
Stories like Jeff Antonelli’s remind us what keeps Galveston strong—humility, gratitude, and steady hands willing to help.
Listen to the full audio conversation and subscribe to The 1839 newsletter to hear more voices shaping our island’s future.
David Landriault
Founder of The 1839
David Landriault serves as the Founder of The 1839 and Co-Founder of Falcontail Marketing & Design. Under his leadership, Falcontail has grown into a boutique firm known for collaborating with a diverse range of distinguished clients. The firm’s portfolio includes notable names such as Stanford University, the Galveston Economic Development Partnership, Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, and other esteemed organizations.
Jeff Antonelli
Proud 39er
Jeff Antonelli is the proud owner of three Shrimp ‘N Stuff locations—local favorites that have served Galveston with flavor and heart for decades. Beyond the kitchen, Jeff is deeply rooted in the community, lending his time and support to causes like the Galveston County Food Bank and numerous local initiatives. His love for the island runs deep, and in the Lifestyle section, Jeff brings stories that celebrate the people, places, and pulse of everyday life in Galveston.
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