Family Owned Since 1981
The Hooper's Story
Built on Crabs, Character, and Family
Hooper's Crab House opened in 1981, built by Pete and Royette Shepherd with a vision that was bigger than steamed crabs and waterfront dining.
Together, they created a place with personality, history, and heart. A place where families gathered, staff came back season after season, and guests felt like they were part of something familiar. Hooper's became more than a restaurant. It became a West Ocean City tradition.
Today, that same spirit continues through Royette Shepherd, the Hooper's family, and the people who have helped carry the restaurant forward.
The Beginning
Pete and Royette Built Hooper's Together
Hooper's was never just one person's dream. Pete and Royette built it together.
Pete had the vision, grit, and fearless energy to see what Hooper's could become. Royette brought the heart, care, and steady leadership that helped turn that vision into something lasting.
In the early years, West Ocean City looked very different than it does today. But Pete and Royette saw possibility. They built Hooper's into a destination, one that generations of Ocean City visitors and locals would come to know for crabs, seafood, cold drinks, waterfront views, and a feeling that could not be copied.
Every part of Hooper's has always had a story. From the antiques and details throughout the restaurant to the people who filled it with life, Pete and Royette created a place that felt collected, lived-in, and loved.
Resilience
A Legacy That Kept Going
In 2001, Hooper's burned to the ground.
For many businesses, that kind of loss could have been the end of the story. For Pete and Royette, it became part of the story.
With determination, faith, and the support of the Hooper's family around them, they rebuilt. Hooper's came back with the same character, the same energy, and the same commitment to the people who had made it special from the beginning.
That resilience is still part of Hooper's today.
Leadership Today
Royette Keeps the Hooper's Family Moving Forward
Today, Royette Shepherd continues to lead Hooper's with the same heart, strength, and resilience that helped build the restaurant from the start.
Her leadership can be felt across Hooper's Crab House, Sneaky Pete's, and Pancho & Lefty's. She has helped create a family of longtime managers, returning staff, loyal guests, and people who have grown up with Hooper's as part of their Ocean City tradition.
For Royette, Hooper's has never been just a business. It is a family. That is why so many people who work here stay connected for years. It is why guests come back. It is why the restaurant still feels personal, even after decades of growth.
In 2026, Royette received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her leadership, resilience, and impact on Ocean City.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce
2026
The People
More Than a Restaurant Staff
Hooper's has always been powered by people.
Behind every summer season, crab feast, busy night, and packed dining room is a team that keeps the restaurant moving. Many of Hooper's longtime managers and staff members have helped shape the restaurant's personality over the years. They are part of the reason guests recognize familiar faces when they return.
This page will continue to grow as we share more of their stories.
The managers, staff, and families behind Hooper's are a major part of what makes this place different. They are not just employees. They are part of the Hooper's family.
Our Community
Part of the Ocean City Community
Hooper's has always been connected to the community around it.
Pete, Royette, and the Hooper's family have supported local causes, contributed to the area, helped improve West Ocean City, and stayed involved in the community that helped make the restaurant what it is.
That commitment continues today. Hooper's is proud to be part of Ocean City and Worcester County, not only as a restaurant, but as a local gathering place, employer, supporter, and neighbor.
Legacy Moments
Hooper's Through The Years
From early memories and family photos to staff stories and Ocean City traditions, Hooper's has always been shaped by the people who fill it with life.
Still Family Owned. Still Hooper's.
Some guests come to Hooper's for crabs. Some come for the waterfront views. Some come because it has been part of their family's Ocean City trip for years.
But the reason Hooper's has lasted is bigger than the menu.
It is the people. The stories. The staff. The memories. The leadership of Pete and Royette Shepherd. And the family that continues to carry Hooper's forward.
Hooper's is still family owned. Still local. Still full of character.
Still Hooper's.