Rhode Island Foodies Rally Around Matunuck Oyster Bar After Devastating Fire

On Tuesday, May 20^th, one of Rhode Island’s most beloved restaurants went up in flames.

Matunuck Oyster Bar was deemed a total loss after a fire engulfed the oyster bar, impacting more than 300 staff members and countless supporters of the restaurant.

In the midst of disaster, the South Kingstown community has come together to raise funds and give support to the hundreds of staff members and the restaurant’s owner, Perry Raso.

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Matunuck Oyster Bar Suffers Devastating Fire

According to Chief Steven Pinch of the Union Fire District of South Kingstown, the department was dispatched to a reported structure fire early Tuesday morning. Heavy fire was visible from the rear of the building and second floor, and strong winds accelerated the flames as firefighters attacked the blaze.

After 90 minutes of hard work from 35 firefighters, seven engines, two ladder trucks, and a heavy rescue truck, the fire was under control.

No one was inside at the time of the fire and no firefighters were injured, but the restaurant was a total loss and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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South Kingstown Community Rallies Around Matunuck Oyster Bar

Matunuck Oyster Bar has been a sought-out destination for 16 years. It’s where friends and families go to celebrate milestones, catch up with friends, and indulge in delicious oysters at one of the top restaurants in the country.

When word got out that the restaurant had burned down, friends of the restaurant wasted no time in helping.

Dan Smalley and David Stine, self-described as “friends of MOB”, organized a fundraiser to support rebuilding efforts and the affected staff. In just two days, that fundraiser has amassed over $130,000 in donations.

Down the street from Matunuck Oyster Bar is the newly opened Boon Street Market. They were quick to show love and support.

“Our doors are closed this morning so we can open our arms to our Matunuck Oyster Bar family,” said the market online. “Free food and drinks to all MOB staff and first responders this morning at Boon Street Market.”

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The Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation, saddened by the news, decided to collect funds to assist MOB employees who lost their livelihoods.

And yet another organization, the Taste of Rhode Island, has invited Ocean State Charity Events to its event on June 11^th to auction off memorabilia and other items. All proceeds will benefit the MOB restaurant family.

Matunuck Oyster Bar Owner Plans to Rebuild

While some restaurant owners would bow their head in defeat, Perry Raso remains positive, optimistic, and grateful.

Raso spoke with the Providence Journal and said, “We are humbled and grateful for what Matunuck Oyster Bar represents to so many people. While we are heartbroken that our doors will be temporarily closed, we are committed to opening them back up and welcoming guests back to our tables as soon as possible.”

While Rhode Islanders mourn the loss of this beloved restaurant, hope remains for a brand-new MOB with the same great people at the helm.