Built on Family.
Rooted in the Coast.
From a tent at the Mooresville Farmers Market to the area’s favorite seafood market — this is the story of Buddy’s Seafood Market, and the family behind it.
The Name Behind the Market
We didn’t always go by Buddy’s. When Aviston, Cornell, and Jemel Harris first started selling fresh seafood in June 2021, they called it Harris Brothers Seafood — a nod to the brotherhood that made it all possible.
Then they lost someone irreplaceable. Cornell Rashad Harris Jr. — known to everyone who loved him as “Buddy” — was the son of Cornell and Lasheria, nephew to Aviston and Jemel, grandson to Monica, and brother to Sania. He passed away, leaving a void that no words can fill.
In his honor, the family made a decision: rename the business after him. Every pound of fresh fish, every live blue crab, every oyster shucked carries his name forward. Cornell Rashad Harris Jr. is the heart of this market — and every customer who walks through our door is part of keeping his memory alive.
From a Side Hustle to Mooresville’s Market
On June 2, 2021, Aviston, Cornell, and Jemel Harris set up their first table at the Mooresville Farmers Market at the old Liberty Park. Three brothers, one shared passion for fresh coastal seafood, and an unshakeable belief that the Mooresville and Lake Norman community deserved better. Harris Brothers Seafood was born out of family tradition, a love for the coast, and a frustration that quality local seafood was so hard to find nearby. Before opening to the public, the brothers were trained by a well-known seafood market in the Raleigh-Durham area — learning proper fish cutting techniques, how to keep seafood at peak freshness, cleanliness standards, and the craft of running a quality seafood operation. The market response was immediate. Word spread fast.
Demand grew fast. What started at the farmers market became a brick-and-mortar seafood market at 115 Commons Dr, Suite C in Mooresville, NC. Aviston, Cornell, and Jemel built out the space together, brought in professional fish cutters, established direct relationships with NC fishermen up and down the coast, and created a place where freshness wasn’t a marketing word — it was a daily promise.
After losing Cornell Rashad Harris Jr. — beloved Buddy — Aviston, Cornell, and Jemel made the decision to rename the business in his memory. The name change wasn’t just symbolic — it was a commitment. Every day they open the doors, every pound of fresh seafood they sell, is dedicated to him. The full Harris family rallied together: brothers Aviston, Cornell, and Jemel running operations, Mom Monica overseeing finances, sister-in-law Lasheria and niece Sania joining the team. One family. One mission.
Buddy’s Seafood Market now holds a 4.9-star Google rating with nearly 300 reviews and a proud membership in the Gotta Be NC Seafood program. The family sources fresh seafood from NC fisheries up and down the coast, can import from any location, and accommodates special orders for customers who want something specific. A sister brand — Shuck & Brine Mobile Oyster Bar — serves events across the Carolinas. The full Harris family still runs every aspect of the business, showing up every week with the freshest catch and the best customer service in the area.
Meet the Harris Family
Aviston co-founded Buddy’s with Cornell and has been the driving force behind the market’s growth, digital presence, and Shuck & Brine Mobile Oyster Bar. Known for his passion for the business and the community it serves.
Cornell was there from day one, setting up the very first table at the Mooresville Farmers Market on June 2, 2021. His dedication to quality and freshness set the standard Buddy’s still holds today.
Jemel was there from the very beginning — one of the three brothers who set up that first table at the Mooresville Farmers Market on June 2, 2021. A co-founder and co-owner of Buddy’s Seafood Market, his commitment to the business and to his family’s vision has never wavered.
Mom Monica joined the team as Buddy’s grew, bringing her love, dedication, and family spirit to everything she does. Grandmother to Buddy, she carries his memory with her every single day she shows up for this business.
Sister-in-law Lasheria keeps Buddy’s presence strong at farmers markets and ensures inventory is always tracked and stocked. As Cornell’s wife and Buddy’s mom, her love for this business runs deeper than any job description.
Sania — Buddy’s sister — is part of the team that keeps Buddy’s running. Her presence in this business is a daily reminder of who we do this for and why the name on the door will always mean something.
Straight from the Carolina Coast
We source fresh seafood directly from North Carolina fisheries up and down the coast — and when you need something special, we can import from anywhere or accommodate custom special orders. Just ask.
From the sounds of Belhaven to the docks of Snead’s Ferry, our relationships with coastal fishermen mean you get seafood that was in the water days — sometimes hours — before it’s in your hands.
Buddy’s is a proud member of the Gotta Be NC Seafood program — a certification that guarantees our seafood is genuinely sourced from North Carolina waters and fishermen. It’s not just a badge. It’s a standard we hold ourselves to every single day.
Our Values
If it’s not fresh, it’s not in our store. We source directly from NC fishermen and cut every fillet in-house to order. No pre-packaged, no warehouse product.
We started this business for our community — Mooresville, Lake Norman, and the surrounding area. That’s why we offer Senior and Veteran discounts every single Wednesday.
Every person behind this counter is family — by blood or by bond. That means you’re always getting personal service from people who genuinely care about what they’re selling you.
We’re a Gotta Be NC Seafood member and proud of it. Buying from Buddy’s means supporting North Carolina fishermen, coastal communities, and a sustainable local seafood economy.
A 4.9-star Google rating isn’t an accident — it’s the result of treating every customer like family. We take pride in going above and beyond, every visit, every order, every time.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? We can source it. From local NC catch to imported specialty seafood, we accommodate special orders so you get exactly what you need.
Come See Us in Mooresville
115 Commons Dr, Suite C · Wed 1–6 PM · Thu–Fri 10 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM