Matunuck Oyster Bar in Rhode Island destroyed by fire

A popular Rhode Island restaurant was destroyed in an early-morning fire Tuesday.

Fire officials said the blaze broke out around 3:45 a.m. at Matunuck Oyster Bar on Succotash Road in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Heavy flames and smoke were pouring from the rear of the building and the second floor when fire crews arrived at the scene. Neighboring fire departments were also called in to help battle the fire, with about 35 firefighters in all helping to extinguish the flames.

Due to the building's location on the waterfront, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management also responded to the scene.

Strong winds accelerated the flames as firefighters attacked the blaze. Officials said the fire reached the building's void spaces, making the firefighting operation more challenging.

Firefighters battled the fire for about 90 minutes before knocking down the flames and getting it under control.

No one was inside the building when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by state and local fire officials and local police.

"There is significant damage to the building," Union Fire Chief Steven Pinch said. "It’s still standing, but between the water, fire and smoke damage, the structural problems are significant."

He said the building is likely a total loss.

"The Matunuck Oyster Bar is a fixture in the town," Pinch added. "It employs a lot of people. Most people in the community know someone who works there. It has a big impact on the town’s economy. It’s tough imagining the summer going on without having the Oyster Bar open. We feel bad for the owners and all the employees who are now out of work. Hopefully, they rebuild and are even better when they reopen."

WJAR

WJAR

Matunuck Oyster Bar has operated a seven-acre aquaculture operation on a local salt pond since 2002, and later opened the restaurant on the waterfront in 2009 where it quickly became a “pond-to-table” destination for diners. The restaurant regularly offers oyster farm tours for the public.

The oyster bar's littlenecks and chourico dish was lauded one of the “ Best Dishes ” of the year in 2023 and USA Today listed the location on its “Restaurants of the Year” list in 2024.

The fire comes just days before Memorial Day weekend, marking the unofficial kick-off to summer and a boost in business for New England's seaside businesses.

“I’m grateful there were no injuries and thankful to first responders for their quick response at a treasured local institution,” U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, a Rhode Island Democrat, said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.