More than 20 years after the state toughened its fire codes, the building was not required to have sprinklers, officials say. Investigators say the cause of the fire was likely accidental.

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

The Matunuck Oyster Bar, a well-known seafood restaurant in Rhode Island, was destroyed in a fire early Tuesday morning.