ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A fire caused damage to a popular oyster bar in Annapolis on West Street.
Scott Herbst, owner of the Sailor Oyster Bar, is lamenting over the challenge of COVID-19 and getting back to normal.
Then, a fire destroyed what they worked hard to get back.
Investigations determined the cause to be accidental due to improperly discarded smoking materials.
“It started in the back in between the two building and then moved its way forward and then upstairs,” Herbst said.
It took nearly an hour for fire to destroy all the work the Oyster Sailor Bar gained since it open in 2016.
Around 8 p.m., customers scrambled outside and fire units scrambled to the fire.
Nobody was hurt but a lot of the business was destroyed.
“It's just stuff,” Herbst said. “Even though we put a lot of heart and time into this stuff, it's stuff.”
The Sailor Oyster Bar is a two-story restaurant in the middle of a row.
There was some smoke and water damage to the adjacent buildings.
Herbst feels obligated to the community and the 26 workers he has at the Sailor Oyster Bar.
He didn't wear his "don't give up the ship" hat by accident. “But, it seemed pretty fitting today,” Herbst said.
As they continue the cleanup and the monumental task to restore this popular eatery, Herbst has a message for his staff and patrons.
“We're very fortunate to be a part of the community. We got great support,” Herbst said. “Will be back.”
Herbst thinks it will take at least six months to reopen.
