Politics & Government

Happy Clam Coming To Fredericksburg

The Happy Clam, which used to be a restaurant in Colonial Beach until 2003 when Hurricane Isabel destroyed it, will open on Sophia Street next month. The EDA Monday morning is expected make it final to distribute $32,000 worth of incentives for Happy Clam

It has been almost nine years since Hurricane Isabel destroyed the Happy Clam in Colonial Beach, but the owner is planning a comeback in downtown Fredericksburg next month.

The Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority Monday morning is likely going to agree to partner with the city to distribute the $32,000 worth of tax reductions over five years for the Happy Clam, which will occupy the former Barefoot Greens and B&G Seafood at 1017 Sophia St. This would be the eighth restaurant to get tax incentives from the city's Tourism Zones.

City Council approved the agreement at its Jan. 10 meeting. Happy Clam was a staple in Colonial Beach for 25 years until the hurricane. The new restaurant will be able to see 49 people inside and 12 more outside. The restaurant will have about 15 employees. The city estimates Happy Clam will generate $216,000 in gross tax revenue over a five-year period.

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Correction: This article has been changed to reflect that the incentives for Happy Clam were already approved by the city and that the EDA was not voting today to approve the incentives, but to partner with the city in distributing them.


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