Culinary Team

Rocky Denson was born and raised in Colonial Beach, Virginia.  He is married to his best friend, Blaire, and they have four children and three grandchildren.  Rocky attended York College of Pennsylvania and earned his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and Development from Bluefield College. His parents and grandparents owned and operated Denson’s Grocery which was established in 1912.  After many years in financial services, Rocky and Blaire reopened the family business in 2011 and rebranded the grocery with a focus on specialty items and Chesapeake Bay farm-to-table fare. In 2013 they introduced R&B Oyster Bar.  Rocky loves good, fresh food, and has a very distinct palate. He enjoys working with local watermen and farmers to obtain the freshest ingredients for his kitchen.  He is a self-taught chef but gives much credit to travel, and the culinary influences he has been fortunate to eat and cook with over the years.  Rocky is proud of being voted Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce business of the year, 1st place in the Maryland Chef Seafood Competition for his crab cake, Best of Virginia (Virginia Living Magazine), Maryland Seafood Festival Chef Demonstration, Virginia is for Lovers Culinary Challenge: Fresh Catch, Seafood, and Oysters, named one of the 18 Best Seafood Restaurants in Virginia, and Best of The Bay 2022.

blaire flight

Blaire Denson is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina.  She met the love of her life, Rocky in Disney World in 2000, and relocated to Virginia in 2001. Blaire and Rocky have four children and three grandchildren.  Blaire is the Executive Director of the Virginia Partnership for Out-of-School Time (VPOST) on faculty at James Madison University working with key partners to develop, lead, coordinate, and drive the network’s initiatives. She holds her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is a member of the inaugural class of White Riley Peterson Policy Fellows at Furman University.   Blaire moonlights at Denson’s Grocery and R&B Oyster Bar.  She manages the market, catering, and all operational aspects of the business. Blaire loves children and is often found holding babies while their parents enjoy Rocky’s delicious cuisine. She also loves to cook and has offered her southern flair to the menu at Denson’s Grocery and R&B Oyster Bar.

 

 Shirley Mae

Shirley Setliff is a Colonial Beach native and a graduate of Colonial Beach High School.  She is the widow of her loving husband, Tommy who was our resident delivery guy and go-to for anything Rocky needed. Shirley has three children, and seven grandchildren, a puppy, Charlie, a kitty, Jackie, and two birds, Sugar and Spice. Shirley is the Denson's Grocery comedian and news reporter.  She joined Denson's team in May 2011 and is the most tenured and loved by all members of Denson's team.

 David

David Taylor is a Colonial Beach native and a graduate of Colonial Beach High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Radford University.  David is an avid sports enthusiast, enjoys hiking, and loves to cook. He spends much of his spare time researching recipes and cooking for his family and friends. David joined the Denson's in the Summer of 2011.

 blue

Wayne Schultz was a retired software engineer, having worked for Lockheed Martin for 40 years.  He was married to Cathy for 33 years, and they enjoyed their first grandchild's arrival together. Wayne was a previous native and resident of northern Virginia.  He and Cathy bought their house in McLean that he grew up in, raising their son there, and sending him to the same schools that Wayne attended in McLean.  He and Cathy moved to Ebb Tide and took over his parent's home where he and Cathy retired there with their dogs. Wayne started working at Denson's after he got tired of eating there all the time, thinking he would earn some of the money back that he was spending there. Wayne in his off time liked to stay busy working on 'His to-do list', turning wrenches, pounding nails, gardening, driving the community tractor, bush hogging the fields, and grading the roads that he maintained for the Ebb Tide community. Wayne joined the Denson's in March 2017, and suddenly left us in June 2019. RIP Wayne, AKA our Boy Blue. You are forever a part of the Denson family.

 Shelby2023

Shelby King is from King George and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in history in 2019, and is affectionately known as our Shelby Girl. She enjoys oysters, trivia, and walks around 'The Point' with her dog Lincoln, and his best friend, the Densons mascot ‘Annabelle’. She’s been with Densons since 2017 and loves to interact and converse with our awesome customers.

 

 ty guy

Tyler Hicks is a Colonial Beach native. He started in the DishPit, and quickly became Rocky's right-hand guy. Tyler hopes to go to culinary school. He joined the Denson's in November 2017.

 angel

Angel Hurt is a King George native. She is married to Tony, and they have four children. Angel and Shirley are the lunchbox duo. Her nickname is Picasso...she makes some really pretty plates and is an integral part of our catering team. Angel joined Denson's in 2018

 Mallory2023

Mallory Tompkins grew up in King George and graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2022 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Before working for us she loved coming into the restaurant and ordering oysters and fries. She still enjoys eating our food on her breaks and when she’s not working. Mallory joined the team in May 2019.

Best of Virginia 2015

  A couple of Months ago, we asked our Facebook Followers to consider voting for us in the 4th Annual 'Best of Virginia' Survey of Virginia Living Magazine... This survey was sectioned to specific areas of our Great Commonwealth. Denson's Grocery and R&B Oyster Bar is part of Virginia's Eastern Region, which includes The Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, Hampton Roads (Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Williamsburg) Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and the Eastern Shore. We knew it was a 'Longshot', but we thought we would participate. We are humbled, proud and extremely excited that Denson's Grocery and R&B Oyster Bar of Colonial Beach, Virginia has been named 'Best Place to Eat Lunch' in Eastern Virginia. This is the 4th year of 'BEST OF VIRGINIA', and frankly, this has taken our breath away. Virginia Living Magazine is an Upscale Magazine featuring the Virginia Lifestyle with a readership of over 500,000 Statewide. We want to give a Heartfelt Thank You to all that voted! A Select Few of the Winners have been invited to participate in the 'BEST OF VIRGINIA' Showcase at the Altria Theater (Formerly the Landmark Theater) in Richmond on June 17th. Denson's Grocery and R&B Oyster Bar has been invited and will be highlighting our FRESH Crab Cakes. We are Soooooo Proud, and cannot thank everyone enough!

 

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117 Washington Ave
Colonial Beach, Virginia 22443
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Testimonials

"For a recent company event, Denson’s Catering provided a fantastic experience. They were prompt, professional, and personable in crafting a menu tailored to our preferences. The presentation of each entree was impeccable, showcasing both their creativity and attention to detail. Most importantly, the food was delicious—the roasted oysters were brimming with flavor and the bacon-scallop combination was phonemical.  I highly recommend this catering team for their exceptional service, and I look forward to working with them again." Katherine L.
"It was the most beautiful and amazing evening for my parents. Everything turned out perfectly! We were so pleased with all of the details and personal touches you all provided. Your staff was kind, gracious, and accommodating. The food exceeded our expectations and was so filling with all of the southern comforts we love. Rocky did a fantastic job cooking the beef and the bread pudding was delicious as always. We are so grateful you could do this for us. It’s what Mom and Dad always wanted for their golden celebration. Thank you so much! We will definitely sing your praises and continue to support you! We’ve always loved your food ever since you had the restaurant to the food truck and anytime we can enjoy it. Give our love and sincere gratitude to your staff! Well done!" Christie Hall
"What a pleasure it was to work with Densons for our graduation picnic.  Your food and services exceeded my expectations!  I knew it would be good but your presentation, food, team, and YOU were phenomenal.  Truly a pleasure to have you as part of our special celebration.  All the food and desserts tasted yummy!  My guests commented they enjoyed the food.  The presentation looked elegant and you and your team were so pleasant and accommodating to our guests.  Working with you and your patience put me at ease. I never worried once about the catering.  From the first conversation, you were friendly and approachable which calmed any looming anxiety. As I indicated at the party, I never tasted your food or experienced your services.  I heard many of my friends express how enjoyable your food tasted from your food truck.  Your reputation for good food proceeds you and it is very accurate. You and Rocky offered wonderful food selections and created delicious items.  The ingredients were fresh with the perfect amount of savory spices.  What planning and coordination you and Rocky carried out; absolutely impeccable. So professional and organized!  Me, Mike, and Matthew loved the leftovers.  I partied for days because I didn't have to cook.  Thank you for the wonderful service and food you provided for our special graduation event.  I have no suggestions or complaints.  Denson's food and service are outstanding.  I appreciate all the efforts and kindness you and Rocky put into our special event." Beth Robins
"My visit to Denson’s and Colonial Beach was a most enjoyable and unique culinary adventure and ­reminds me that a culinary journey often doesn’t need a passport ." Daniel M. Walker, Contributing Columnist, Cooperative Living Magazine
"We appreciated having Denson's cater our event because we didn't have to worry about food, having full confidence in the quality and service. Of course, they did not disappoint! As expected, everything was on-time, tasty, and beautifully presented, and we appreciated your attention to food safety on such a hot day. We were able to enjoy the leftovers later that evening and the next day. Regarding our lovely and attentive server, Shelby, she is a gem, so I imagine you are grateful to have her on your team. Thank you, thank you for catering for us on such a busy holiday weekend.  It meant so much to know we could leave it to you!
Blessings to you and your team -Cliff and Diane D.
"Thank you and Rocky for a perfect evening on Friday. Everyone is raving about Denson’s and the quality of food and service." Sue Farmer, Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic.

"Denson's Catered a New England style lobster boil for us as an employee appreciation event. There was no question about the freshness of the shellfish. The meal was authentic and amazing, right down to the seaweed garnish. Blaire, Rocky and their staff were punctual, friendly and helpful. My employees and their guests were all suitably impressed and not shy about telling me. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a catered seafood event." Norman Trahos


"I love your family and Denson's! We so very much appreciate all the extra special touches you and Rocky do to provide the very best customer experience that I have ever encountered, and not to mention the delicious food! I'm so glad we discovered such a wonderful gem and met you all!"
Alyson Stoffer

"I want to take a few moments to share how wonderful Rocky and Blaire made our wedding. They took a simple idea and made it so elegant, we only dreamed it could be so great. They are without a doubt the greatest hidden secret in Colonial Beach. Jeanne and I could not even imagine this event, and the food couldn't have been anymore spectacular. We are meeting with some folks that attended last week and everyone was overwhelmed with the food and its presentation. You guys are amazing!!!! Thank you for making this event ever so wonderful. Kudos to you all and your staff!!!!"
Ruth Lovelace
"You guys are AMAZING! Thank you for catering the Amber Lemons and Josh Lemons wedding on Saturday May 30th, 2015! You and Your staff were outstanding. You all were attentive, professional, always there when anyone turned around with a hors d'oeuvre or just being there to help. 
Let's talk food! -- UNREAL! BACON wrapped scallops, FRESH oyster shooters, crab filled filo cups and more for 'hots d'oeuvres', all were Fantastic. From the FRESH asparagus to the Chicken Marsala, everything was perfect. Being able to serve our guest the fresh / organic food was a truly added blessing.
Our friends and family will be talking about this wedding for years. We received countless compliments about the food. Thank you so much for all you did. You offered us the "COMPLETE" package. My husband and I truly enjoyed ourselves at our daughter's wedding knowing you had everything handled with the cake, champagne, food, and support. You guys are #1 in our books!
Thank you."
Joeanne Reohling

"I was in your store last evening and have to share my experience.  Let me start by saying “TOTALLY PERFECT”.  I entered the store to be greeted by name by Zack, Paul, and David.  That’s important to your customers.  David made a suggestion for dinner and Zack got right to the preparation.  It was, of course, wonderful.  It was really interesting when Zack asked if I would prefer a tuna steak as that is something Rock would normally do for me, but it means your team actually pays attention with all of the activity going on around them.  This is really amazing.  I would expect such service from either of you but don’t expect your team to necessarily pay that much attention to my preferences.  This means Denson’s exceeded my expectations during my shopping experience without any leadership presence.  This is evidence of the respect you both deserve from your team and your ability to highly motivate team members."

~Tony~

"The food was excellent and truly the best I have ever had at a wedding.  We really appreciated the time you took to go over what our daughter wanted and to personalize the food and beverages for our family.  Not to mention the date we selected was very challenging, and you were still able to provide an outstanding team to support our event. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event for our family and Denson's helped to make it just fabulous!"
~Christina~

"It is six months after the event, but folks are still talking about our wedding. Some liked the ceremony, others liked the band, and some talk about my dad, but everyone mentions how much they liked the food! Denson’s catering did a fantastic job.  We were late coming to the table, changed our minds about several things, were unorganized, decided a few weeks before the event that we wanted another caterer to partner with Denson's to serve barbecue as an additional menu option. Blaire took every stinking thing we threw at her and seamlessly made it golden. The food was magnificent, Rocky entertained while he shucked oysters, and the staff operated professionally in the background.  At the end of the evening when everything was cleaned and packed up, my wedding coordinator said, “Thank God everything turned out perfectly”.  I responded, “Yes, but we should be thanking God for Denson’s because they did all of the work.”

~Pam~

Menus

 Our menus are extensive. Denson's is a unique catering company in the fact that we offer customizable menus for every client we serve. We do have several standard catering packages that our clients can select from; however, most clients who choose Denson's take advantage of creating a unique menu that showcases their specific theme.  

More information about our fresh, seasonal menu items, is available at:

804.224.4121

info@densonsgrocery.com

https://www.instagram.com/densons_chesapeake_/ 

https://www.facebook.com/Densons.Grocery.

 

BOB2022 

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