Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio Catching the Codfather Part 1: Red Lobster
Feb 17, 2026
Carlos Rafael, Atlantic-born fishing entrepreneur who built Carlos Seafood into a New Bedford processing empire. He recounts his rise from immigrant to powerful operator. The story covers undercover buyers, secret cash ledgers, and an alleged multimillion-dollar black-market fish trade. It also explores community pressure, regulatory fights, and the looming federal probe.
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Azorean Community Anchored New Bedford
- New Bedford became a hub for Portuguese immigrants from the Azores with clubs, newspapers, and a strong community.
- That community provided the cultural backbone for the region's dragger fishing industry.
Act Fast To Protect Shared Resources
- Policymakers should act quickly when resources are being depleted rather than waiting for slow international treaties.
- Immediate protective measures can prevent irreversible ecological and economic damage.
From $5,000 To Fleet Owner
- Carlos launched Carlos Seafood with a $5,000 loan and 27 cents and used profits to buy boats quickly.
- He never captained a vessel and instead ran the business ashore as it expanded.
