The Story

Wilson's Seafood

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The idea for Wilson’s Seafood was born of a New Orleans family who desired to share their culinary skills and success with the communities in and around Midlothian, Texas. As they say in Louisiana, “Lassiez les bon temps rouleir!” Or translated, “Let the good times roll!”

Wilson’s Seafood has its roots in the heritage of the late David C. Wilson, Sr., a renowned foodie and founder of David’s Seafood in Cedar Hill. Wilson’s Seafood, the creation of his son, Shawn Wilson, will continue his legacy by serving the community and offering the same delicious fare whilst retaining kitchen manager Sergio Jimenez who was David’s kitchen manager for 14 years.

Shawn grew up in New Orleans where he was influenced by his father’s culinary career that spanned many years including stints with Brennan’s, Spaghetti Warehouse, Rockfish Seafood Grill and finally, David’s Seafood Grill.  David passed in 2016, leaving Shawn both his seafood legacy and his recipe for success as a restaurateur. 

Today Shawn continues in their footsteps with Wilson’s Seafood at The Church at Founder’s Row in Midlothian, and pays homage to their legacy by taking good care of their customers and pleasing them with delicious food from their kitchen.

Wilson’s is a fun restaurant focused on Cajun and Creole scratch cooking, the freshest of seafood, a variety of thirst-quenching beverages, exceptional quality and extraordinary Southern hospitality that leaves you feeling like one of the family.

Offering primarily delicious seafood dishes that the family is known for, Wilson’s also serves mouthwatering steaks and other landfood favorites, along with weekly and seasonal specials.

Housed in a historic church building, Wilson’s is a local gathering place where folks can relax with family or friends, either while dining inside or al fresco under the “Revival Tent”, our outdoor covered patio area.

Shawn will strive to serve the community under the same mantra as his predecessors did, “Good Food and Friends” – one of David’s Seafood slogans, which will be carried forward by Wilson’s Seafood.

The Church

Wilson’s Seafood is housed in The Historic Church at Founders Row in Midlothian, Texas. Once known as The First Christian Church, it was originally located at 319 Poplar Street in Italy, Texas. It is an example of fine craftsmanship and architecture popular in the 1890’s when the church was founded.

A news article published in Italy News Herald on its fiftieth anniversary on Dec. 15, 1939, stated, “The First Christian Church of Italy will be celebrating its fiftieth birthday next year. The Church has been serving the community in one way or another since 1890.”

However, according to other records, the group that formed the church began functioning as an organized body of worshipers as far back as 1875. At that time they met in the old community school house known as the Buttermilk School House. It was used as a school all week and served as a church meeting place for various denominations on Sunday.

When the South Italy school house was built the congregation carried on its work there and in 1890, transferred its activities to the building in Italy, Texas that has now been relocated to Founders Row in Midlothian, Texas.

The building was completed the following year in 1891, and at that time, the church took the name, The First Christian Church of Italy, and was known by that name until it moved to Founders Row.

Names of the original charter members include: the John Couch family, the Jim Couch family, the George Stroud family, the S. M. Dunlap family, the George Hamlett family, the Will Jennings family, the Willis Pruitt family, the Dr. A. B. Robuck family, the H. A. Erwin family and the Tom Johns family.

It’s only fitting that it is in a historic church built for families and friends to gather, that Shawn and Suzanne Wilson will be carrying on a long standing tradition of serving families and friends in the community at Wilson’s Seafood.  Thereby giving life and meaning to their slogan, “Good Food and Friends”.

Source: Ellis County TXGenWeb. All Rights Reserved.