The day the Clark family first held the keys as new owners of Scojo’s Eatery on Friday, May 15, they pledged to patrons that “you will see many of the same and familiar faces, enjoy the same great meal at the same great place.”

After 22 years, Scojo’s namesakes Scott Russo and Joe Wright were moving to next chapters in their lives, and what they would leave in Surf City was a turnkey family restaurant with legions of loyal customers. The Clark family was already among them: Andy and Donna, son Andy Jr. and daughter Peyton.

“We spent a great deal of time trying to find the right people to give our home of the past 22 years to, to share ‘Our…