HERTFORD — A beloved local institution is officially on the road to revival. Months after a devastating fire destroyed much of Captain Bob’s Barbecue and Seafood, the owners announced this week that they have purchased a new building — a major step toward reopening one of Perquimans County’s most recognizable restaurants.

In a message to customers on social media, the business revealed its next chapter: “HUGE NEWS ALERT! We bought a building!  We are thrilled to announce that we have purchased a property right here in Hertford—the familiar Farm Market building down Harvey Point Rd!”

The announcement continues: “Over the next few months, our team will be busy modifying the layout to meet our future needs and solidifying all the exciting details. This is a massive step for us, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you. Keep a close eye on this page for construction updates, sneak peeks, and more details as they become available!”

The news marks the first concrete progress since a fire on Thursday, May 22, gutted key portions of the long-standing restaurant on Ocean Highway South. For many residents, seeing Captain Bob’s moving forward offers a sense of hope tied to a business that has been woven into the life of the community for decades. See our initial story — click here.

The new location is beside Planters Ridge at 1106 Harvey Point Road, Hertford. The market is expected to close on Dec. 31, 2025.

In a Facebook post, Planters Ridge Inc. owners Lyl and Natalie Brown said closing the Farm Market will allow them to “embark on new joys and opportunities to make more memories with our family and friends, as well as allow us the time and resources to grow the garden center/florist/gift shop even more.”

A Dark Day in May

Captain Bob’s, located at 310 Ocean Highway South, has long been known for its barbecue, seafood, fried chicken, and steady stream of catering that fed everything from Rotary Club meetings to high school sports fundraisers. Owned by Sharon and Bobby Lane, the restaurant spent years serving as a gathering space for family dinners, first dates, church groups, business lunches, and celebrations large and small.

But that familiar rhythm came to an abrupt halt the evening of May 22.

Just after 7 p.m., first responders were dispatched to what would quickly grow into a full-scale structure fire. Travelers were alerted to avoid the stretch of U.S. 17 – Ocean Highway South as crews from multiple agencies converged on the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing a cloud of smoke rising high above the highway. Veronica Downing, who shared video with the Albemarle Observer, said she spotted the plume from Edenton — roughly 14 miles away — see our story. The smokehouse, known to staff and regulars as “the pit room,” appeared to be fully engulfed as customers and employees rushed outside to safety.

According to citizen reports, strong winds pushed the flames from the smokehouse toward the main building. Several catering trailers often parked between the two structures were quickly moved out of harm’s way.

By the time firefighters arrived, they encountered a new complication: low water pressure. Tanker trucks were called in as crews worked to get the fire under control. Around 7:30 p.m., intense smoke was still pouring from the building, though it had begun to lighten compared to earlier in the evening.

Despite the fast response and the efforts of multiple fire departments, the damage was significant. For regulars, the sight of the charred building — a place where so many had shared meals and memories — was heartbreaking.

A Community Still Connected

The fire left an emotional mark across Perquimans County and neighboring towns. In the days that followed, residents took to social media to share memories of the restaurant’s heyday: Sunday lunches, seafood plates stacked high, chicken dinners after youth sports, and conversations with the Lanes, who were known for supporting countless local causes.

Captain Bob’s had become more than a business — it was part of the community’s identity, showing up at grand openings, church gatherings, nonprofit fundraisers, and chamber events. Its absence created a noticeable void.

But even amid the loss, the restaurant’s owners signaled they were not giving up. They thanked customers for their encouragement and made it clear they intended to rebuild. Supporters echoed that optimism, and the community waited for signs of progress.

This week, that sign finally arrived.

A New Chapter Begins

The purchase of the former Farm Market building on Harvey Point Road marks a turning point in the months-long recovery. The building offers a fresh start, free from the structural and smoke damage that made rebuilding at the original site uncertain.

The owners say renovations will begin soon as they reshape the space to suit the future needs of the restaurant. The timeline for reopening has not yet been announced, but the promise of updates — including construction photos and sneak peeks — has energized longtime patrons.

Though the rebuilding process will take time, the Lanes’ decision to invest in a new property suggests a clear long-term commitment to staying in Hertford. For a restaurant that has catered generations of celebrations, fundraisers, and community events, the comeback carries deep meaning.

Locals still remember the shock of that smoky Thursday in May — the flames, the fire crews, the loss of a place so many held dear. But now, the story of Captain Bob’s has shifted from destruction to reconstruction, from damage to determination.

As the owners put it: “This is a massive step for us.” For Hertford, it’s a step that marks the beginning of Captain Bob’s next chapter — and the promise of a familiar aroma returning to the air.