Grant’s Oyster of Sneads Ferry House Reopens in Temporary Location After Major Fire Damage
One of Sneads Ferry’s most beloved seafood institutions is fighting to recover after a fire heavily damaged its building last Friday. Grant’s Oyster House, a long-standing cornerstone of the local commercial fishing community, has reopened using a temporary setup as repairs begin.
A family member of the business confirmed that operations are continuing from a refrigerated truck, allowing customers to purchase seafood on a limited basis. Inventory is restricted for now, but the family hopes to have temporary power restored by next week, which will help expand their offerings.
The fire, which tore through the oyster house on November 7, left significant structural damage. According to the family, it is likely that the entire roof will need to be replaced before the building can reopen fully.
A Long History in Sneads Ferry’s Fishing Community
Grant’s Oyster House has deep roots in Sneads Ferry, a community known for its commercial fishing heritage and generations of watermen. For many local families, the oyster house has been more than a business—it has been part of their livelihood.
“My dad used to sell exclusively to Grant’s for the majority of his life,” said Kayla Evans, who works with The Salted Shell / Midgett & Sons Crab Co. “Junior became a very close personal friend of ours.”
The news of the fire sent shockwaves throughout Sneads Ferry. Evans recalled her disbelief as the situation unfolded.
“I was just devastated. The first thing I did was pick up the phone to call my dad and asked if this was real,” she said. “For somebody who has been in this community for so long and has had such an impact to lose everything he’s worked for—it was just disheartening.”
Fire Adds to Existing Challenges in Seafood Industry
The fire at Grant’s comes at a difficult time for Sneads Ferry’s fishing community. Many local fish houses and commercial operations have struggled recently, facing closures or temporary shutdowns due to financial strain, labor shortages, environmental pressures, and the loss of experienced fishermen.
“We’ve lost a lot of other fishermen, and a lot of other fish houses have had to close temporarily,” Evans said. “To see this happen, it was like—how is this even possible?”
In a community where seafood is both a cultural identity and an economic lifeline, the damage to Grant’s Oyster House represents more than the loss of a building. It affects the fishermen who depend on the business, customers who seek local seafood, and the traditions that define Sneads Ferry.
Customers Encouraged to Call Ahead
While repairs are being planned, Grant’s Oyster House is asking customers to call ahead for seafood availability. Limited inventory, temporary electrical access, and refrigeration constraints mean that product quantities vary from day to day.
Despite the challenges, Grant’s is determined to keep serving the community during the rebuilding process. The temporary setup allows the business to maintain a presence, support local fishermen, and continue providing fresh seafood to Sneads Ferry residents.
About the Author
Written by J.L. Wells, a longtime Topsail Island resident and owner-operator of multiple local small businesses serving the Topsail Island area. With firsthand experience living and working on the island, J.L. Wells provides practical, locally grounded insight into Topsail Island’s towns, beaches, and year-round coastal living.