Burritts sees an increase in fish sales during Lent

Fridays during the Lenten season mean that many Catholics refrain from eating red meat and instead turn to seafood. Local markets like Burritts have seen an increase in customers buying fish.

Burritts Fresh Market owner and general manager Jake Kaberle says Lent is always a big season for them. He says they are getting ready.

“We get fish deliveries six days a week and often two to three times a day, so there is always a great variety,” says Kaberle.

Burritts Fresh Market in Traverse City sells fresh foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as meats and fish. They see more customers this year during Lent than in years past. Kaberle says that although this week has been slow due to spring break, they expect sales to end above expectations.

“It’s usually our busiest day in our fish department here at Burritts, but during the Lenten season, it picks up a bit,” Kaberle says.

Burritts has all the fresh fish a Catholic could need during the Lenten season and they have options people can take home and put in the oven.

On Friday, Burritts featured Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese with Dill Havarti Cheese.

“It’s something easy to pick up and bake,” says Kaberle.

They receive fish shipments from Boston on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Ships from Chicago on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as from Grand Rapids six days a week. Kaberle says there is always a pleasant and plentiful variety and those who celebrate the season appreciate it.

“They appreciate having all these new options at their fingertips,” says Kaberle.