© Oyster Masters Guild
As restaurants and seafood suppliers seek ways to differentiate, OMG claims to be "creating the first structured education pathway for oyster specialisation".
“The future of seafood service isn’t just about what’s on the plate – it’s about who’s behind it,” said Julie Qiu, OMG co-founder and CEO, in a press release.
“By establishing a clear pathway to oyster expertise, we’re helping businesses strengthen their teams, drive sales, and build a more engaged, knowledgeable workforce,” she added.
With 250+ students across 18 countries and 23 US states, OMG’s training is reshaping oyster service worldwide. More than 50 restaurants and hospitality groups have embraced the programme, seeing direct benefits in guest engagement, sales, and service confidence. From neighborhood oyster bars to fine dining, OMG’s impact is shaping how oysters are presented and understood on a global scale.
“Since implementing OMG’s programme, our team isn’t just serving oysters – we’re leading the conversation. Guests now turn to us as trusted experts, eager to explore different varieties and pairings, just like they would with a sommelier and wine,” said Brian Owens, partner at Crave Fishbar. “This deeper engagement elevates our guest experience and drives stronger oyster sales.”
“The level 1 course has had a great impact – I can now confidently share my knowledge with both my colleagues and our guests, enhancing how we present and serve oysters at Aniar,” said Gabriel Hoefling Ossani, chef at Aniar (one Michelin Star), Galway, Ireland.
Beyond its tiered certification courses, membership network, and digital content, OMG hosts the Oyster Educators Summit, bringing together industry leaders to advance education, strengthen professional networks, and elevate oyster expertise in seafood and hospitality.
“The art of oyster service has long been undervalued in hospitality training,” said Patrick McMurray, OMG co-founder and education director. “We’re bridging that gap between shuckers and producers, ensuring oyster mastery is recognised as a valuable skill that enhances guest experiences and drives business success.”
According to OMG, oyster education isn’t just impacting restaurants – it’s also transforming the relationship between growers and hospitality professionals.
“OMG’s training has given our team the knowledge and confidence to tell the full story behind the oysters we produce,” said Shina Wysocki, owner of Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar & Farm. “Our oyster bar manager now leads with a deeper understanding of the broader oyster landscape, and we’ve seen the results in both guest engagement and sales.”
Fast Company’s full list of the “Most Innovative Companies 2025” is available: https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list.
