Well, this is not the kind of heat the chefs ordered.
Early Monday morning, the iconic Matunuck Oyster Bar—yes, that Matunuck Oyster Bar, the one with the waterfront views and oyster Instagram dreams—caught fire.
The blaze broke out around 3:45 a.m., according to a report from NBC 10 News. Fire crews raced to the scene on Succotash Road in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, where they found flames tearing through the upper floor of the restaurant.
And it wasn’t just any sleepy fire drill. Firefighters had to battle gusty winds, which, let’s be honest, never help anything except kite flying. Mutual aid was called in. Crews worked fast and furiously.
Luckily, no one was hurt. No diners, no staff, no shellfish harmed. Just a whole lot of damage to one of Rhode Island’s most beloved seafood joints.
“We’re all devastated,” said a neighbor on site, watching the smoke clear. And if you’ve ever waited 45 minutes just to score a table at Matunuck during peak summer hours, you get the heartbreak.
According to GoLocalProv, the upstairs portion of the restaurant took the brunt of the damage. It’s not clear yet how long repairs will take, or how this will affect plans for the holiday weekend rush.
Owner Perry Raso, a well-known voice in sustainable aquaculture, hasn’t issued a public statement yet. But fans of the restaurant are already flooding social media with support and memories—some going as far back as first dates and anniversary dinners.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. No early guesses. No flashy conspiracies. Just real damage, real quick.
Matunuck has been a staple of Rhode Island dining for years. It’s not just a restaurant. It’s part of the culture. And while the fire may have dimmed the lights for now, you can bet the community—and probably a few food critics—are already rooting for a comeback.
As for oysters this weekend? Might be time to fire up the grill at home.
