Dicky's Clam Shack closes popular outdoor Dartmouth restaurant. Here's why.

DARTMOUTH — Dicky’s Clam Shack, a beloved outdoor restaurant in Dartmouth since 2013, has permanently closed. The decision to shut down the location was a difficult one, but ultimately could no longer sustain the business due to a variety of factors from economy to weather.

“When I first opened Dicky’s Clam Shack, it was a one-man operation with just a food truck and it was very successful,” said owner Richie Medeiros. “But then the pandemic hit and everything changed.”

Medeiros’ family owns multiple businesses in the area, including Caddyshack and the carwash next door. He has been in the restaurant business for over 10 years, observing the industry change drastically since the pandemic.

“The cost of fish went from $3 to $6.75 and clams went from $85 to almost $150 per gallon,” Medeiros said. “This meant that in order to make a profit, I had to increase my prices, which made it difficult for customers to afford to eat at my restaurant as often.”

Across the board, in the restaurant industry, prices have gone up which has impacted the economy on the restaurant business, according to Medeiros. "Even a typical steak dinner now costs almost double what it used to,” he added.

More: From Taylor Swift to film awards, Seamen's Bethel is back in the spotlight.

“This means that people who used to dine at my restaurant multiple times a week can now only afford to come once or twice a month.”

In addition to the financial struggles, Medeiros said he also faced challenges with hiring and retaining employees.

“When I first opened 10 years ago, I’d get 100 job applications. Now, it’s harder to find employees, especially ones who are actually passionate about the job,” he said.

Unpredictable weather was one of the main reasons to close

But the biggest factor contributing to the decision to close Dicky’s Clam Shack was the unpredictable weather patterns in the SouthCoast area.

“You can’t judge this business year to year, because the weather and the economy can change everything,” Medeiros said. “We live in a place with constantly changing weather, and a bad summer can mean huge losses for a seasonal restaurant like mine.”

Medeiros, who recently turned 46, said the the stress has also taken on his health. “The stress of constantly hoping for good weather on weekends has really taken its toll on me,” he said. “I have other businesses that are doing well, and I have to prioritize my health and quality of life.”

More: Want to discover the healing powers of nature? Visit Wild Heart Herb House in New Bedford

Closing Dicky’s has been met with some disappointment from regular customers. “I had so many people calling me begging me to keep the restaurant open, but when I explained the reasons why, they understood,” Medeiros said.

“It’s a hard concept for someone who collects a paycheck every week to understand the stress of owning a business where your income is not guaranteed.”

Why the outdoor restaurant scene is dying

Medeiros said the restaurant industry, especially a seasonal one like his, is a dying industry because of the short season and unpredictability of weather. He said not having at least an indoor seating area as a back-up plan is really ruining these business that are dependent on warm temperatures and sunshine.

While it is always sad to see a beloved local business close its doors, Richie Medeiros is grateful for the 10 years he was able to run Dicky’s Clam Shack and the support of his loyal customers. “I am blessed to have other opportunities and ventures to focus on,” he said.

However, Medeiros also owns a successful meal distribution company called OLife, that is accessible all over New England. According to the website, OLife is committed to providing wholesome, high-quality meals that are both delicious and nutritious. The meals are carefully portioned to meet daily nutritional needs, making it easy to eat healthy without sacrificing taste.

“It’s a different realm of the restaurant industry, and it has a larger market, which has been a smart move for me," he said, adding what sets OLife apart from other competitors is the dedication to honesty, sharing exactly what goes into every meals and providing accurate nutritional information.

The business works out of the offices located at Dicky's Clam Shack in Rehoboth, which will also remain open for the season as he can manage both businesses in one spot.

“It was a difficult decision, but ultimately I had to prioritize my other businesses and my own well-being," he added.

“I am grateful for the memories and friendships made during my time at Dicky’s, but it was time to move on and focus on the future.”

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Dicky's Clam Shack owner explains why he closed down Dartmouth spot