Video: Celebration to honor Ed's Chicken
Ed's Chicken and Crabs is a burnt out shell after a car crashed into the building, setting off a devastating fire. A Wednesday, Aug. 24 celebration is planned to bring back the legendary eatery's energy.
“It's a way to say thank you for his 38 years,” said Steve “Monty” Montgomery, owner of the Starboard restaurant, which will host the event.
Ed Riggin, owner of Ed's Chicken and Crabs, which has been closed since the fire, said he plans to be at the celebration that will run from 5 to 8 p.m. “It should be a fun time,” he said.
On Aug. 18, Riggin watched as a car towing service pulled an unrecognizable Mini Cooper from the rubble of the business he built. “Well, there it goes,” the 83-year-old said, watching the car that destroyed his life's work.
Riggin said the insurance adjusters have been to his Route 1 business, but there is no information on the future of the site. The Catts family owns the property and building; Riggin owns the equipment.
In preparation for the celebration, Montgomery said a crew already hauled one of Ed's famous yellow and turquoise tables to the Starboard so Riggin can hold court.
“We want to put together a stage area for him to sit and yuk it up,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery said the event is not a fundraiser, but donations of $20 are suggested. All proceeds will go to Riggin to help compensate employees who lost their jobs at the height of the season and pay for other business expenses. Riggin said he had 10 part-time employees at the time of the crash.
Area restaurants and businesses have come together to offer food and drinks, and a silent auction will be held featuring restaurant gift cards and various items. Montgomery said Riggin found a box of old Ed's Chicken T-shirts to pass out and a batch of new T-shirts commemorating the 38 years that Ed's Chicken served Dewey Beach will be on sale.
“Everyone wants to do something,” Montgomery said.
Michelle Small, 36, of Wyoming has been charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving and failure to have insurance identification in connection with the crash. She is scheduled for arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 14 in Georgetown on Aug. 26. Police say Small was speeding when she crashed into Ed's Chicken and severed a propane gas line, causing a fiery explosion.
A tribute from the Delaware House of Representatives will be given to Riggin during the event, Montgomery said, and he is working on a similar tribute from the state Senate.
“We all love Ed,” Montgomery said. “We wanted to show him our support by throwing him this party.”
Dewey Town Council recognized Ed's Chicken at its Aug. 12 meeting.
“Before we start, let's have a moment of silence for Ed Riggin; Ed’s Chicken burned down here in Dewey this week, and it’s like somebody died,” said Mayor Diane Hanson.
While he hasn't ruled out retirement, he is still unsure about the future. “It's still up in the air,” he said.
