Dewey Beach looses an icon, locals hope for rebuild

Ed Riggin Sr., the long time owner of Ed’s Chicken and Crabs in Dewey Beach, awoke Tuesday morning shortly after 2 a.m.  to a phone call from his manager. Moments later Riggin was in front of his restaurant, watching as the business he built over 38 years burned almost completely to the ground.

According to police at roughly 2 a.m. 36 year-old Michelle Small of Wyoming, Del. was traveling at a high speed southbound on Coastal Highway when she lost control of her 2013 Mini Cooper, drove over the median and drove straight into Ed’s Chicken and Crabs. During the collision a propane line was severed and a gas leak occurred, causing the fire.

“It was so bad at that time, it was too late to do anything you couldn’t repair it,” Riggin said. “I’m thinking well the lifetime’s gone. I’ve been here for 38 years and that was it. I don’t plan to rebuild there.”

Locals however, hope Riggin reconsiders and rebuild.

Rob Jones, who lives next door to the establishment, called the restaurant an icon. He said that many people have visited the Ed’s over the years and have come to love it.

According to Riggin, the property is owned by someone else and he does not know what they plan to do with the lot.

As for him… “I really don’t know what’s next,” Riggin said.  “Hell, everybody says Ed it’s time to retire, maybe it is time. I’m 83, maybe it is time to retire.”