Beloved Maine restaurant engulfed by fire will do ‘whatever it takes’ to reopen

A mainstay on Ogunquit, Maine’s Marginal Way since 1963, the Oarweed Restaurant says it will do “whatever it takes” to reopen for the 2025 season after a blaze destroyed much of the building Saturday night.

“Even though there is devastation and sadness, there is hope… rainbows, rum punches, stuffed potatoes, and more hope, for 2025 opening day!” the restaurant posted on Facebook Sunday.

Firefighters were called to Perkins Cove, a historic fishing cove and top tourist destination, at 7:17 p.m. Saturday for a reported structure fire on Perkins Cove Road, according to Seacoastonline.

When they arrived, they discovered heavy fire in Uniques and Antiques, the business that abuts the Oarweed, and the restaurant.

Amid freezing temperatures, a second alarm fire was declared and several surrounding fire departments in southern Maine responded.

Uniques and Antiques, known for its sale of Christmas heirlooms, posted on Facebook Saturday night: “This is a heartbreaking shock and we appreciate everyone who has reached out. We ask for continued prayers for all, including our neighbors at Oarweed Restaurant and our other friends in the Cove. Thank you to first responders. We will update more when we can.”

The Oarweed, a classic Maine seafood restaurant that first opened in the summer of 1963, was closed for the season when the fire struck.

In a hopeful Facebook post Sunday, just a mere hours after the blaze was put out, the restaurant said employees will be “working hard” for the 2025 season. They cited cubing potatoes for chowder, prepping the “blueberry splash” and loading up the bar, despite the devastation caused by the fire.

“Everyone is safe and ready to do whatever it takes to make our beloved Oarweed ready to go on!” the Oarweed wrote. “Thank you to all for your support and love.”

In March, Real Simple magazine named the town of Ogunquit the No. 1 vacation destination of 2024.