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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

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Crush n Crab sets sights on grand opening July 1 in Berlin

(June 25, 2015) It may have been delayed slightly, but Berlin resident John Cookro insists his new restaurant, Crush n Crab, will be open for business by July 1.
The restaurant, specializing in fresh, local seafood, will fill a long-dormant spot on the corner of Route 113 and South Main Street in Berlin.
Signs have been ordered and shipped, Cookro said, and the liquor board and health department have signed off on his operation.
The interior of the restaurant is entirely refurbished, complete with new tables, booths, a lounge area and decorative crab curtains over the windows, casting a decidedly Eastern Shore atmosphere over the former Boomers space.
“That was a big part of our philosophy,” Cookro said of the coastal-area ambiance.
Outside, the 2006 Ann Ashton Scanlon mural, commissioned by Marge Coyman and the Calvin B. Taylor Museum and depicting turn-of-the-last-century Berlin, remains intact.
The menu, Cookro said, will cover breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“We’re doing seafood, chicken, ice cream and we’re doing as much local fare as we can,” he said. “I’m getting my crabs and ice cream locally, and we’re hoping to get some local root beer.”
Oysters, clams and mussels would also be locally sourced and a fresh catch fish special is in the works depending on “whatever I can get off the boat,” Cookro said.
“We’re trying to keep our prices reasonable,” he said. “A lot of places, especially in Ocean City, are on the higher side, so we like to be affordable if we can. The local crabmeat is more expensive, but I want to keep it that way and not go with the Chinese stuff – which you can get at half price, but it’s just not the same thing.”
Crush n Crabs will also offer a “dessert of the day” special while local craft beer, including Burley Oak Brewing Co., Fin City Brewing Co. and OC Brewing Company, will rotate on tap.
“We’re looking forward to it, and by July 1 we should be full tilt,” Cookro said.
The restaurant is currently hiring. For information, call 410-973-2350.