Rowayton Seafood has purchased a longtime business in the area. According to an August 10 Instagram post from Rowayton Seafood, owner Kevin Conroy purchased the Bait Shop, calling it “the perfect extension of our commitment to family, community, history and seafood.”

“We want to preserve its legacy as a marina and fishing shop and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Van Sciver family,” the post’s caption reads.

The Bait Shop was opened in 1961 by Herbert and June Alexander Van Sciver on Post Road in Darien. In 1971, after a fire, the store moved to Five Mile River in Rowayton. Both founders grew up in Darien.

The Instagram caption says the new owner may make some updates, such as a new coat of paint.

“We will also be moving several boats to create more parking spaces,” the caption reads.

No one from Rowayton Seafood was available for immediate comment.

Rowayton Seafood began as a lobstermen’s co-op, according to its website. Conroy bought the company’s market share in 1978 and the restaurant in 1996, the website says.

Since then, it has received acclaim from publications such as Wine Spectator. The menu features classic seafood dishes such as hot and cold lobster rolls and chowder, as well as raw oysters and a variety of fish dishes.

In 2023, the restaurant released a cookbook called “A Touch of Salt,” which explores the ecology and history of New England seafood and was featured on the “CBS Morning News.”