Ogunquit Oarweed unveils rebuild plans post-fire

TL;DR

Ogunquit's Oarweed Restaurant owners have submitted detailed plans to rebuild after a December 2024 fire gutted the Perkins Cove landmark.
Plans include revegetating the property, adding a streetside patio, and keeping the parking lot the same, targeting an April 2026 opening.[[1]](https://www.fosters.com/story/news/local/york-star/2026/04/17/ogunquit-maine-oarweed-restaurant-unveils-rebuild-plans-2024-perkins-cove-fire/89642315007)
The rebuild preserves the restaurant's identity while adding upgrades like insulation and ADA restrooms, ensuring its return as a local staple.[[2]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/york-star/2025/02/19/new-oarweed-restaurant-to-open-ogunquit-maine-2026-devastating-fire/78987395007)

The story at a glance

The Oarweed Restaurant at 65 Perkins Cove Road in Ogunquit, Maine, destroyed by fire on December 21, 2024, has unveiled formal rebuild plans submitted to the local planning board. Co-owner Jeff Fitzgerald and four partners are leading the effort to reconstruct the site, which has operated since 1963. This update comes now as permitting advances 16 months after the blaze. The fire also damaged neighboring Uniques and Antiques, but its future remains unclear.[[3]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2025/01/02/ogunquit-maine-perkins-cove-fire-oarweed-restaurant-uniques-antiques/77172955007)

Key points

Fire started at Uniques and Antiques on December 21, 2024, at 7:17 p.m., spreading to Oarweed; crews from eight towns fought the second-alarm blaze, with no injuries.[[3]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2025/01/02/ogunquit-maine-perkins-cove-fire-oarweed-restaurant-uniques-antiques/77172955007)
Owners vowed immediate rebuild, initially aiming for 2025 but delaying to April 2026 due to permitting and processes.[[2]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/york-star/2025/02/19/new-oarweed-restaurant-to-open-ogunquit-maine-2026-devastating-fire/78987395007)
New plans call for revegetating parts of the property, a new streetside patio, and no changes to the parking lot.[[1]](https://www.fosters.com/story/news/local/york-star/2026/04/17/ogunquit-maine-oarweed-restaurant-unveils-rebuild-plans-2024-perkins-cove-fire/89642315007)
Restaurant will keep similar menu (clam chowder, lobster rolls, baked potatoes, Oarweed pudding) and atmosphere, with upgrades like insulation for cooler summers and longer season, plus spacious ADA-compliant restrooms.[[2]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/york-star/2025/02/19/new-oarweed-restaurant-to-open-ogunquit-maine-2026-devastating-fire/78987395007)
Bar counter to use repurposed wood from original floor; possible tribute spot along Marginal Way for photos.[[2]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/york-star/2025/02/19/new-oarweed-restaurant-to-open-ogunquit-maine-2026-devastating-fire/78987395007)
Restaurant leased from Littlefield family; owners express thanks for community support.[[2]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/york-star/2025/02/19/new-oarweed-restaurant-to-open-ogunquit-maine-2026-devastating-fire/78987395007)

Details and context

The Oarweed has been a Perkins Cove fixture since 1963, known for fresh lobster from ocean-water tanks, New England chowder, and ocean views—drawing crowds near the Marginal Way path. The fire left the building a shell despite initial hopes it stood strong; a new structure is now underway, as noted on the restaurant's site.[[4]](https://oarweed.com/)

Fitzgerald, who started at Oarweed in 1981 and bought in during 1989, leads five partners committed to "jumping through hoops." Earlier reports shifted the timeline from summer 2025 to third week of April 2026 to allow for approvals. This latest submission advances those efforts with site-specific tweaks like the patio and revegetation, balancing preservation and improvement.[[3]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2025/01/02/ogunquit-maine-perkins-cove-fire-oarweed-restaurant-uniques-antiques/77172955007)[[2]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/york-star/2025/02/19/new-oarweed-restaurant-to-open-ogunquit-maine-2026-devastating-fire/78987395007)

Key quotes

Jeff Fitzgerald, co-owner: “We’ll be back.”[[2]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/york-star/2025/02/19/new-oarweed-restaurant-to-open-ogunquit-maine-2026-devastating-fire/78987395007)
Jeff Fitzgerald: “We’re rising with the tides. It’s going to be beautiful.”[[2]](https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/york-star/2025/02/19/new-oarweed-restaurant-to-open-ogunquit-maine-2026-devastating-fire/78987395007)

Why it matters

Rebuilding Oarweed sustains a key draw for Ogunquit's tourist economy in Perkins Cove, a busy spot for visitors walking Marginal Way and exploring the harbor. It means the classic seafood spot—with its lobster rolls and cove views—returns improved for locals and summer crowds, potentially extending the season slightly. Watch for planning board approval and construction progress, as delays could push the April 2026 target.