SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — The beloved Matunuck Oyster Bar, which was heavily damaged in a fire this week, had no sprinkler system — nor was one required to by law.

According to USA Today's 2025 Restaurants of the Year list, the restaurant is one of the top 44 places to eat in America.

Preliminary findings by the Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal suggest the early Tuesday morning fire that seriously damaged the Matunuck Oyster Bar and displaced its 300 workers was accidental.