Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?
At approximately 5 a.m. check all the fish that I ordered the night before with my buyer (employee), log in all shellfish with the DEC, and then I can turn the lights on.
What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?
For 30 of my 48 years in business I got up at 1 a.m. to go to the Fulton Fish Market; now one of my employees goes. I dislike when the student becomes better than the teacher. I guess it’s not such a bad thing.
If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?
Fresh Fish and Sustainability Knowledge award.
What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?
Buying for the holidays, learning the needs for new and existing customers.
What’s one item you always have on hand?
A small selection of fine red meat.
What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?
Knowing your customer’s name, family history and needs.
What was your “I made it” moment?
Best of Westchester 23 years in a row, Citizen of the Year, and someone called me a mensch.
Tell us about your favorite local spot.
Stone Fire Restaurant and Blue Dolphin (everybody knows your name).
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
I would have taught high school history.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Partners are for dancing and never tell them how good or bad you are, tell them you’re making a living.
How do you celebrate a big win?
With my favorite people, my family.
Describe your business in three words.
Fresh. Sustainable. Honest.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
Theme from “CHEERS”.
What’s the funniest customer request you’ve ever received?
I know it’s a Saturday night, but could you please come over and cook my lobster.
What’s your business’s unofficial motto?
Freshest fish ever.
What’s your dream customer reaction?
Knowing that we made their catered affair a complete success.
What’s something your business does differently than anyone else?
A call list when a specialty fish comes in that they have been wanting.
What’s the smallest detail your customers notice—or that you hope they notice?
The passion I have for our products.
What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
My unbelievable employees.
What’s one thing people often say when they first walk in?
“Hey Joe, what am I putting on the table tonight?”
What’s a word or phrase customers often use to describe your business—and do you agree?
After 48yrs. I think he knows what he’s doing.
What is your most popular service?
Our catering and the ability to carry approximately 25-30 different fish daily.
What is something you wish more people knew about you and/or your business?
How difficult it is to maintain quality and sustainability.
Address: 477 Lexington Ave, Mt Kisco, NY 10549
Phone number: (914) 241-3113
Website: mtkiscoseafood.com
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
