BON SECOUR — The new owners of The Galley on the River, Jason and Sara Rees, are bringing fresh life to the riverside favorite.

Jason and Sara Rees moved to Baldwin County around five years ago after previously owning a restaurant in Missouri. They had visited the area and even eaten at The Galley, having expressed interest in purchasing the establishment.
The Galley opened in 1950 before closing in 2023. The business went up for sale a few years ago, but the property wasn't, Jason Rees said. The couple wanted to own both. Last July, they were notified through a mutual friend that the property would go up for sale soon, and they acted quickly, purchasing it that September and reopening it in December.

When they first bought the property, the restaurant had already closed and the building was vacant, meaning they entered with a clean slate. One thing they didn't want to change was the atmosphere and sleepy river lifestyle.

“We wanted to make it so that the locals felt comfortable and [we] fit in with the community,” Jason Rees said. “We’re low key; we’re right on the water. Just a laid-back vibe.”

The menu includes an array of entrees, including burgers made with ground beef patties, brick-oven pizzas made from scratch ingredients and, of course, seafood.
Rees said they source all their seafood locally. He gets mullet from Safe Harbour in Bon Secour that is caught every Thursday. Shrimp comes from Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour and Fresh Seafood Distributions in Daphne, and he said they source tuna from Fresh Seafood Distributors and sometimes Billy's.

The most popular dish is the seafood platter, he said, which includes a selection of grilled mahi, beer-battered cod from Bon Secour Fisheries and shrimp that can be either fried, grilled or blackened, served with a side of fries. They have also recently added new menu items, including fried oysters and a chicken cordon bleu sandwich, which consists of fried chicken breast with smoked ham, Swiss cheese and Dijon aioli on a brioche bun.

Along with the food, patrons have a front-seat view of the river, where boats and wildlife such as ducks and turtles swim by. There is also a fish feeder outside that guests can pay to feed the animals in the river. There are also outdoor spaces for large parties, including the "Captain’s Quarters," which can be reserved for events. They have also started hosting live music.

One view that has changed is the lack of a houseboat along the dock, whose occupant had made for a standard guest. Rees said last he heard, Jerry was staying at a nearby fish market.

“I think it’s amazing how the community has welcomed this place back into operation and [our family] into the community,” Jason Rees said. “It’s been a fantastic experience so far for us.”

The Galley on the River, 18546 CR 10, Foley, AL 36535, is open Sunday-Wednesday 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.