Crisfield Showing New Signs Of Life Following Down Economy, Hurricane Sandy
CRISFIELD, Md. (WJZ) -- After Hurricane Sandy dealt a devastating blow to a Maryland community, locals are now fighting to keep that community alive.
Monique Griego has more on the comeback hopes for Crisfield.
Hurricane Sandy made a bad situation worse in Crisfield. The town had already been in a slump because of a down economy. Now locals are doing whatever they can to bring the people and spirit back into the area.
The kitchen is moving again at the Crisfield Crabhouse and Grill. Two years after closing, the popular waterfront spot is once again open for business.
"All winter we've been talking about 'What if we got that restaurant open? Would it bring people back to Crisfield?'" said Manager Jenny Tawes.
Tawes is one of three partners banding together to bring the restaurant back to life. They're hoping it gives a boost to a community hit hard by a down economy, and last year, Hurricane Sandy.
"Sandy just was like the final nail in the casket. We all of course were flooded down here," Tawes said.
Heavy wind and rain flooded homes and businesses with two feet of water, and the city dock was ripped to shreds.
Little by little, locals are now rebuilding what was broken.
"So you're hoping all these little things will eventually end up equal to what?" Griego asked.
"A thriving community once again," Mayor Percy Purnell responded.
So far, it seems to be working. Crab cakes are already drawing customers back.
"We both love seafood and we just wanted to come down and support the community, just see how it's been," said customer Mike Hurley.
Mike and Sherry Hurley drove 45 minutes just to eat here. They're not part of a movement to make sure people don't forget what Crisfield can offer.
"People are coming around and seeing, 'This is our town, and we've got so do something about it,'" said Tawes.
The restaurant is operating on a short term lease, but if business is good, they're hoping to stay open.
The Crisfield Crabhouse also has a tiki bar that will be open in a few weeks, just in time for those summer trips.
