Chris Nelson, who grew up in northern Minnesota has been in the fresh fish and seafood industry since 1998. Chris got his feet wet (or should we say, started developing his gills) at Morey’s Market and Grill in Brainerd Minnesota. 

For the next 8 years he embraced his new passion and love for the fish and seafood industry in a retail setting. During those 8 years Chris developed a love for the outdoors and met countless people who became lifelong friends and mentors. Chris truly considers those 8 years spent in the Brainerd Lakes to be some of the best moments in his life.

Chris left Morey’s and moved to Kona, Hawaii on the Big Island, where for 2 years he helped manage a seafood restaurant. Fresh fish came in daily from local sources along with premium frozen and other fresh seafood. After 2 years on the Big Island Chris decided to move back to MN (We don’t know what he was thinking…)

Upon moving back to MN, he landed in Minneapolis. However, Chris always knew he wanted to get back into working in the fresh fish and seafood industry. Well, he did just that, and for the next 13 years worked for Coastal Seafoods in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis.

For 2 years Chris worked in both the retail stores and in production for the wholesale side of Coastal Seafoods. For the next 11 years Chris was the only outside sales representative for Coastal Seafoods. Chris sold the area’s best fish and seafood all over Minnesota and the surrounding 4 states. Many Chefs and department managers at Co-ops that he worked with over the years have provided some of his fondest memories and friendships. 

Chris happily embraced the challenge of sales and believed that honesty is what will always win in this industry. "Make honesty your foundation and build up from there."  That is the only way to gain people's trust and respect in this industry.

In 2020 Chris decided to put a plan in place to get back to his first passion in this industry, retail sales, and he decided he wanted to try doing it on his own.

Chris and his 2 kids currently live in New Hope. When he is not slanging fish, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, dog (Wendell), and friends. With any other free time, you can catch him at a Twins game where he is happiest. Chris has always said “The best thing I can ever do is be a father, after that it's Baseball and Food... Especially seafood.”

Chris and his family are super excited to bring Brookies Fish Market to St. Louis Park and serve them and the surrounding areas.