Matunuck Oyster Bar opened in 2009 as an extension of a local oyster farming business. WAKEFIELD – A fire at Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown early in the morning on May 20 caused serious damage to the iconic restaurant and firefighters say the restaurant will likely be a total loss.

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.

The building may be damaged, but Matunuck’s impact on our oceans and food systems remains intact,” Felicia Neuhof, the founder of Shellf Life.