America's "Best Crab Leg Puller" Has Been Announced!

 Shuckin' Shack, the 18-unit seafood restaurant franchise, has officially named America's "Best Crab Leg Puller" following a nationwide search designed to celebrate one of the most recognizable elements of the seafood dining experience.

After reviewing submissions from across the country and engaging the National Association of Crustacean Extraction Professionals to certify the results, the brand selected Nick Powills for demonstrating a high level of skill and consistency in crab leg preparation and presentation. 

The initiative was developed as a way to engage guests while reinforcing the brand's commitment to quality seafood and memorable dining experiences.

"At Shuckin' Shack, we're always looking for ways to connect with our guests in a way that reflects who we are as a brand," said Darren Keeler, Vice President of Marketing and Creative. "This campaign gave us an opportunity to highlight a small but recognizable part of the seafood experience while staying true to the fun, laid-back environment our guests expect."

According to Shuckin' Shack's newly formed Shellfish Performance Analytics Department, all candidates underwent rigorous testing to ensure no performance-enhancing lotions or synthetic grip-aids were used during the pull before ultimately being evaluated using a proprietary scoring system, including:

- Pull Velocity (PV): Average time to extract full leg meat

- Meat Integrity Ratio (MIR): Percentage of meat removed intact

- Shell Break Efficiency (SBE): Minimizing unnecessary shell fragmentation- Expected Meat Yield (xMY):

Projected meat extraction based on leg size and fracture pattern

As part of the winning submission, Powills used the highly technical V-Notch maneuver and leveraged thermal regulation, accounting for the ambient temperature of the butter on hand to ensure a frictionless glide. These expert touches, combined with other excellent metrics, baffled the judges and quickly positioned them as the top performer.

"When Nick posted a top-tier xMY across multiple submissions, it became clear they had separated themselves from the field," said the Shuckin' Shack Shellfish Performance Analytics Department. "That level of consistency — especially when paired with a strong MIR — is what ultimately defined this year's selection."

Powills, a devoted crab leg puller, has since shared an inside look at their grueling off-season training regimen, including consistent finger strengthening exercises and practice runs in simulated steam rooms to prepare for peak performance in any environment.

"We saw a lot of raw talent this year, but Nick has a feel for the cartilage that you just can't teach," the department said. "Their ability to maintain structural integrity under high-pressure conditions is what separates a hobbyist from a Shack Pro."

Shuckin' Shack has earned a following as a neighborhood destination for fresh seafood and a casual, social atmosphere. This campaign reflects the brand's continued emphasis on giving guests an experience that goes beyond the meal.

"Whether you're a seasoned seafood pro or just figuring out your technique, there's a place for you at the Shack," Keeler said. "We want guests to come in, relax, enjoy great food and feel right at home — no matter where they are in their seafood journey."

Powills will receive the official title of "Best Crab Leg Puller," along with recognition across Shuckin' Shack's digital channels. A statue depicting Powills holding a hand-cast, 24-karat gold-plated crab knuckle will also be erected at their local Shuckin' Shack in their honor.

*Article published April 1st, 2026