Catch 54 reopens after fire damage

Catch 54 restaurant in Fenwick Island, owned by Matt Haley of SoDel Concepts, has rebuilt and reopened its doors after enduring extensive fire and water damage last summer.

The restaurant sustained a kitchen fire that quickly spread to the north side of the building in the beginning of August last year; no one was injured. Catch 54 was forced to close while reconstruction was under way.

Haley was immediately optimistic in spite of the calamity, stating that the restaurant would be open as soon as possible. The SoDel Concepts team chose to use the catastrophe as an opportunity to further improve and polish the restaurant space. “We got to fulfill our obligation to our community by providing a location that could accommodate year-round business, including event space, that we had turned away in the past,” Haley said. “Now, both the public and the property will benefit from the changes.”

Head chef Doug Ruley, formerly of Bluecoast restaurant, explains that the new structure features several updates including an elevator, spiral staircase, two outdoor decks overlooking the water, a fireplace and a raw bar. “The raw bar will feature a wide variety of East Coast oysters, crab claws, fresh sashimi and clams,” said Ruley. “It’s a huge addition to the restaurant.”

Coinciding with the recent structural modifications, the Catch 54 team has reconceptualized the menu to create a fresh feel. “The new menu hopes to combine the land and the sea with a farmer-meets-fisherman concept,” Haley said. The new design of the space features agricultural elements on the west side, while maintaining the stunning sea view on the east side.

Catch 54 is officially open seven days a week at 4 p.m., with happy hour until 6 p.m. Lunch service will begin Monday, June 4, at 11:30 a.m. and continue every day. For further information, call 302-436-8600 or go to www.catch54.com.