A devastating early morning fire has forced a beloved South Shore restaurant to close indefinitely.
Just after 5 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, two passersby reported flames at 291 Ocean Street in Marchfield‘s Brant Rock neighborhood. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found one side of the building fully ablaze and quickly called for additional support.
The fire was brought under control by 7:30 a.m., and while the cause is still under investigation, Marshfield Fire Chief Michael LaSelva confirmed there were no injuries.
Despite the extensive damage, the owners of 291 Ocean Street are committed to rebuilding. “The damage suffered was extensive and we will not be in operation for quite some time,” they wrote in a public update. “We are extremely grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support and kind words from the Marshfield community.”
Originally founded in 1937 as Haddad’s Ocean Café, the restaurant had been run by generations of the Haddad family before it was sold in the fall of 2024 to Table Nine Hospitality partners Chuck Hitchcock, Jeremy Scanlon, and Joseph Queally. After a renovation, the trio reopened the restaurant under the name 291 Ocean Street.
Known for its seafood staples, sweeping ocean views, and flat-screen TVs, the 13,000-square-foot, two-story space features a function room and two decks, with a total capacity of nearly 400.
“The heartbeat of this restaurant was without a doubt the staff that you all know and love,” the owners added. “Many of them have dedicated years – some decades – to this building and serving the community and this is a truly devastating loss for them. It was a privilege to work with them over these past few months and we are very hopeful to rebuild so we can work with all of them, for all of you, once again.”
Be sure to follow the eatery on social media @291oceanstreet for the latest reopening updates.
