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Matunuck Oyster Bar in Rhode Island reopens after fire under temporary tent
The al fresco dining space was put together quickly with the help of local and state officials, who passed legislation that allowed the eatery's temporary tent pop-up.
More than a month after a devastating fire closed Matunuck Oyster Bar, the esteemed Rhode Island seafood restaurant has since reopened — albeit under a temporary tent.
The soft reopening took place Monday in an al fresco space that included dozens of tables, bar seating, and high-tops, reported The Providence Journal. Just across the street from the outdoor dining restaurant is the actual location of Mantunuck, which restaurant owner Perry Raso said he hopes will reopen in May of next year.
At the soft opening were several local and state officials, including Gov. Dan McKee who signed legislation that allowed Matunuck Oyster Bar, or MOB, to temporarily open as an outdoor-dining restaurant. The “Take It Outside” law allows all Rhode Island restaurants to go al fresco if their main establishment is damaged by a fire or a flood, for at least 18 months, reported Rhode Island Current. The restaurants would need municipal approval and to meet health and safety regulations to do so.
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“The support we have received from this community has given me encouragement to rebuild as quickly as possible while maintaining our goal of providing excellent food and service and continuous improvement,” Raso said in a statement emailed to Boston.com. “While I look forward to opening our doors of MOB 2.0 next year, I hope to see you all under the tent this summer.”
Raso was able to keep 75 of his 300 employees staffed for the outdoor dining set-up, but a GoFundMe continues to raise money for both restaurant recovery and for unemployed staff.
Guests can eat at the temporary space daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and reservations can be made in advance. There’s also the option to order takeout.
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MOB opened in 2009 as a way for Raso to sell the fresh oysters from his Matunuck Oyster Farm. Since then, the South Kingstown restaurant has received numerous accolades, including making the cut on USA Today’s 2024 best restaurants list and has been featured in best-of lists in other national publications like The New York Times and Time Out.
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