VIDEO: Evelyn's Drive-In Enters 40th Year of Business

When seafood enthusiasts from all over the world visit the Ocean State, Tiverton's is a top destination, overlooking the tranquil waters of Nanaquaket Pond. They enter their 40th year of business, going into the first weekend of the .

Owners Jane and Dom Bitto have managed the business for 26 of those years, buying it on July 4, 1985 from founder Evelyn Dupont when she moved to Florida.

"We've been blessed," said Jane, citing all the media attention they've received over the years, including a visit from the Food Network. "It's been good for us. People always get excited to come back here."

The restaurant has a couple of well-trusted vendors, Jane said. They get their fish from up the road and a lot of their clams come from Maine. Loyal customers always return for their fried clams, hefty lobster roll, Rhode Island clear chowder and their original recipe, lobster chow mein. Jane said the batter they use is an original recipe.

"We want to keep it original," she said, noting they are grilling more of their seafood, too, like scallops. The Bittos are happy with their seasonal business, and Jane noted they are currently exploring its opportunities with a business coach.

Jane said they change most of their seafood oil every night and drain it outside the building. Newport BioDiesel comes, picks it up, recycles it and makes biodiesel that runs the Bitto's Volkswagon Bug.

"This has been a goal of mine for years," she said. "I just thought, I have the frying oil. We should be able to run a car on it."

Read more about Evelyn's BioBug on a recent WPRI story.

Jane noted they have ongoing deals, including fish and chips for $10.99 and a $4.99 chowder and clamcakes deal on Tuesdays. From April to mid-May, Evelyn's will be offering a $3 draft beer pint special.