Photo by Laura Widness, Ruby Shoes Photography, 2016.

In response to the fire that destroyed the iconic Matunuck Oyster Bar on Tuesday, May 20,2025,  the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) has launched an official employee relief fund to provide immediate assistance to the restaurant’s workers.

More than 300 personnel—including fishermen, farmers, bussers, servers, hosts, cooks, bartenders, and managers—have been left without employment due to the fire.

A longstanding member of the hospitality community, Matunuck Oyster Bar and its owner, Perry Raso, have supported workforce development efforts through RIHEF for years.

RIHEF is stepping up to ensure impacted employees receive financial assistance as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy, the foundation said in a news release.

RIHEF will distribute need-based grants to affected employees, verified through internal systems. The fund will serve as the only official source of organized financial support for Matunuck Oyster Bar staff and personnel affected by the fire.

Donations can be made directly at: www.rihospitality.org/MOB

Checks can also be mailed to: RI Hospitality Education Foundation, 94 Sabra Street, Cranston, RI 02910

The RI Hospitality Education Foundation’s mission is to develop, support and promote career growth opportunities within the hospitality industry to benefit students, organizations, and the economy. This mission is achieved through the foundation’s work with youth, unemployed adults, and incumbent employees. RIHEF’s focus is on career awareness, providing work-readiness training and offering occupational skills training.