Fire Severely Damages Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown

 Fire Severely Damages Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown

                                                                       

      

An early morning fire on May 20 caused extensive damage to the renowned Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown, with fire officials saying the building is likely a total loss.

“The building suffered significant damage,” Union Fire Chief Steve Pinch said Tuesday morning. “I expect they’ll have to take it down and rebuild.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

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Winds Fueled Intensity of Blaze

Firefighters responded to the 2½-story restaurant around 3:44 a.m., arriving within eight minutes to find heavy flames pouring from the structure, Pinch said. Strong winds initially intensified the blaze, but subsided within about 30 minutes. Roughly 35 firefighters had the fire under control within 90 minutes.

Crews remained on the scene as of 8 a.m. to extinguish hot spots and begin cleanup. Restaurant owner Perry Raso was also present.

Investigation Underway

The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, which is standard procedure. The restaurant had been open Monday night.

Beloved Restaurant, National Recognition

Matunuck Oyster Bar is a staple of Rhode Island’s culinary scene and was recently named one of USA Today's 2024 Restaurants of the Year, recognized as one of the top 44 dining spots in the country.

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The restaurant began in 2009 as an extension of Raso’s oyster farming business. Raso founded Matunuck Oyster Farm in 2002 on a 7-acre aquaculture lease in Potter Pond, East Matunuck. In 2009, he purchased a small seasonal restaurant on the inlet to support the business, and it has grown substantially since.

                                                                                       

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Chief Pinch, who has dined at the restaurant, described it as “awesome.”

“Our hearts go out to the employees and everyone impacted by this fire,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking.”

The Union Fire District received mutual aid from fire departments in Charlestown, Narragansett, and North Kingstown to help cover local stations during the response.