Sounds like a great idea!
The legislation would allow the restaurant to serve
customers across the street in a parking lot that is owned by Perry Raso, who
owns Matunuck Oyster Bar, and keep 50 employees of the restaurant working
during the busy summer months.
The House bill (2025-H 6392) is expected to be heard by the House Committee
on Small Business on Tuesday. Representative McEntee chairs the
committee. The Senate bill (2025-S 1139) is also expected to be heard by the Senate
Committee on Housing and Municipal Government on Tuesday.
“The award-winning Matunuck Oyster Bar is a beloved part of
the South Kingstown and Rhode Island community and everyone was devastated when
the fire broke out a few weeks ago. Its success elevates the town and
both locals and tourists alike have made this restaurant a true destination in
Rhode Island. This legislation is the least we could do to help weather
the difficulties resulting from the fire, including keeping some of the
restaurant’s workers employed during the busy summer season. Perry has
been a tremendous partner with the town and state and I am proud to help him
and his employees out during this trying time,” said Representative McEntee
(D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett).
“Our community was heartbroken by the fire at Matunuck
Oyster Bar, and so many people have rallied behind Perry Raso and his employees
during this difficult time. The fact that this happened on the cusp of the busy
summer season is particularly devastating for Perry, the restaurant’s workers,
and our entire community. As this cherished establishment works to rebuild,
it’s important we do everything we can to support that process and the many
people who rely on the restaurant for their livelihood. Utilizing the
successful approach of the ‘Take It Outside’ law is a common-sense step that
will help immediately. I am grateful to Perry for his commitment to our
community, and to the many people who have stepped forward to lend a hand
following the fire,” said Sen. Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown).
The General Assembly’s leadership has expressed its strong
support for this legislation, and for Matunuck Oyster Bar as it plans to
rebuild.
“I met with Perry Raso yesterday and he is deeply committed
to keeping his thriving restaurant open and retaining at least some of his
dedicated workers during his busiest time of the year. He is
understandably devastated by the fire and I give him tremendous credit from
developing this creative approach. I pledged my strongest support to
expedite this process with the House members and I will be working with our
partners in the Senate and with the Town of South Kingstown to make this happen
quickly,” Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), who is the second
co-sponsor of the legislation.
“Matunuck Oyster Bar is nationally recognized for its culinary excellence, and
Perry Raso is an outstanding member of Rhode Island’s business community. While
the news of the fire was truly devastating, the way Rhode Islanders have
responded to support Perry and his employees has been extraordinary. I want to
thank Sen. Sosnowski and Rep. McEntee for introducing this important
legislation. Along with our partners at the State House and in South Kingstown,
we will continue working to support everyone impacted as the restaurant
rebuilds,” said Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East
Providence).
The legislation amends the “Take It Outside” law by allowing
a food service establishment to provide temporary outdoor dining services any
time a building or other structure used as a food service establishment is
rendered uninhabitable by virtue of a casualty including, but not limited, to
fire or flood for 18 months or the building is fit for occupancy. The act would
sunset and expire on June 30, 2027.
The bill requires municipal approval and the South Kingstown Town Council is
scheduled to consider a resolution of support at a meeting to be held on
Monday.
The legislation, if approved by the General Assembly, would allow the
restaurant to establish a mobile kitchen on the site and serve
patrons at outdoor tables. Other aspects of the business remain open,
such as catering and oyster farm tours.
For more information about business operations, please visit https://rhodyoysters.com/.
