A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Bennett’s Creek on Thursday afternoon marked a beginning and an end.

In some ways, it means the long process of redeveloping the former Bennett’s Creek Restaurant and Marina site is nearing its end. But in other ways, it’s a new beginning for the iconic site.

Many folks in Suffolk grew up visiting the restaurant and marina on the shores of the creek. But the same thing that made it beautiful — its proximity to the waterway — also proved to be its downfall, as that facility suffered from multiple floods after tropical storms and nor’easters.

Brian and Teresa Mullins, who have a proven track record in the hospitality industry in North Suffolk, had been eyeing the spot for decades, but it never seemed the right time. But they have finally gotten the chance to bring their expertise and investment to the site.

They knew the problem that plagued the former business must be fixed, so the new buildings sit well above the floodplain. They also have brought in a raft of resort-style amenities, including a swim-up bar, overnight cottages, room service and a private hot tub.

Thursday’s event was the ribbon-cutting for Decoys Seafood Restaurant, which will be only one part of the facility. The 21-and-up Blind Duck Tiki Bar and 60 boat slips will open on April 28.

“We always wanted to do more of a resort, but this is like that on a smaller scale,” Teresa Mullins told a News-Herald reporter this week.

Mayor Linda T. Johnson told the Mullinses on Thursday that they improved the quality of life in Suffolk. She’s right.

The Mullinses were the perfect team to ensure that the redevelopment of this site was done well so that it could not only avoid the problems that plagued its predecessor but also offer even more than before.

We’re happy to see this long-anticipated project come to fruition and can’t wait to see what lies in store.