Warren's waterfront eateries, shops are booming - May 16, 2007

Warren's waterfront eateries, shops are booming

Warren Times Gazette

The Warren waterfront is becoming a busy place. As summer approaches, the area is hustling and bustling with new businesses catering to day trippers, shopping families, gourmets and kids. Some, including an old-fashioned clam shack, are already open, and others are coming soon. Here's a look at three new businesses that may bring an increase in pedestrian traffic to Warren's unique waterfront area:

The Blount Clam Shack

Todd Blount, owner of Blount Seafood, has recently opened up the Blount Clam Shack, which is literally a quahog's throw from the water. The shack serves everything from Blount's famous soups and clamcakes to foot-long giant lobster rolls. Mr. Blount said he's been working on the project for nearly two years.

"Our goal is to take all we know about seafood and apply it to the shack," Mr. Blount said. "It's part of the passion I have for the community."

The shack is now open on Water Street, located down a small roadway right before the Blount Seafood headquarters. Mr. Blount said it's meant to be a hide-away and the advertising will be done through word of mouth. A grand opening celebration will be held during Memorial Day weekend.

Residents can not only walk and drive down to the shack, but customers riding by on their boats can dock and walk to the trailer, just a short stroll from the water.

"Right now this first slip will be open for boat access," Mr. Blount said.

Health cautions were important to Mr. Blount when creating the Clam Shack, and it employs trans-fat free foods, almost completely all-natural foods and biodegradable packaging.

"Our goal is to be as al- natural as possible," Mr. Blount said. "The more natural feel of it goes with the food. All packages are biodegradable and we have no Styrofoam."

For now, the Clam Shack is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:30 to 3 p.m.