For Mike Donlan, being a fishmonger isn’t just a business opportunity…it’s a lifelong calling. He is the owner of Donlan’s Fish & Seafoods and is the fourth-generation in the family to own the business started by his great-grandfather in 1914.

It’s no surprise that after nearly a century of serving the community, Donlan’s, located at 3116 Corunna Rd., was selected by Flint Journal readers as the best place to buy fresh seafood in Genesee County. The business sells wholesale foods to area restaurants and institutions, but it is best know for it’s retail counter for customers to come in and buy the freshest fish and seafood to cook at home.

Not many small businesses can say they have been in business nearly 100 years and it’s only because of the wonderful support we’ve receive from our customers that have been successful through the generations. Every day I open the door for business we do our best to provide the best products to our customers. It’s a privilege to be a part of this community and we are so grateful for this award and the support we’ve received,” Donlan said.

Donlan’s was also a finalist last year for the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Retail Business award. Owner Mike Donlan is active in the Flint-Saginaw Valley American Culinary Federation, a professional organization of chefs and cooks, and was previously named Purveyor of the Year. The store carries popular items such as smoked fish, wild caught salmon, whitefish, sea scallops, catfish, frog legs, crab legs, lobster, crab cakes and much more. The types of fish and seafood offered fresh often depends on the season and what Mother Nature provides to the fishermen that Donlan has worked with since he was a teenager.

Our retail area is like an old-fashioned fish market so you may see red snapper one week and live mussels the next. We sell a lot of fresh items so you can be assured you are getting fresh and we get the fish in whole and we process it ourselves for our customers.

In addition to a fresh counter, the store has an extensive inventory of hundreds of fish and seafood products where you will find unique items such as lobster tails up to two pounds and jumbo King Crab Legs the length of a person’s arm.

“Quality is always our first priority, which is why we always search for best of the best. Where the fish or seafood is from can make a difference in the flavor which is why we carry fresh oysters from the Chesapeake Bay, shrimp from Louisiana and catfish from Mississippi,” Donlan said

Donlan said that some of their customers stop by regularly since they like eat healthy and the store carries wild caught salmon and other heart-healthy and diet-friendly fish.

“We carry wild salmon which is considered a super food because of health benefits and it can be hard to find,” Donlan said. “The American Heart Association also recommends two servings a week of fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon and lake trout, because they are wonderful source of protein and Omega 3 acids. Fish is not only good for you but it’s delicious when you have a fresh product and it’s easy to prepare at home.”

Donlan said new customers sometimes will come in and say they love fish and seafood but are afraid it’s complicated to prepare.

“It is actually easy to make. For example lobster tails or crab legs can be put in boiling water or fish fillet just needs some olive oil, lemon and seasoning and is ready after baking only a few minutes.”

Donlan’s Flint store is conveniently located just off I-75 at 3116 Corunna Rd, just east of Ballenger Road. Store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (810) 233-7683 or email contact@donlansfishandseafoods.com.