How Southwest Airlines Cargo® Is Helping RRO Put The Chesapeake Bay Oyster Back On The Map, And On The Menu

Rappahannock River Oysters (RRO) was founded by J.A. Croxton in 1899. Today, the company is run by J.A.’s great grandsons Travis and Ryan Croxton. These fourth generation oystermen have taken the unique growing conditions of their pristine oyster ground and combined it with the latest aqua farming techniques to produce a product that’s sought after by some of the finest chefs in the country.

“Our goal is to enable everyone to appreciate the unique flavors of the Chesapeake Bay region,” states RRO co-owner Travis Croxton. To accomplish its goal, RRO works exclusively with Southwest Airlines Cargo to ship oysters to wholesalers and restaurants around the country.

As recently as 2005, the Chesapeake Bay area produced about a million oysters per year. Today that annual figure exceeds 20 million. “Our family has been in this business for over 100 years and for a while it was just us,” adds Croxton. “About seven years ago we started working with Southwest Airlines Cargo and together we showed chefs around the country that it was possible to feature our oysters on their menus. Over the years, demand has skyrocketed and the industry has grown to the point where there are now several oyster companies farming the river.”