As the season changes, so does the culinary landscape on the Eastern Shore. Here are some recent culinary-based openings, closings and moves.
Boom's Thai Kitchen - moving
The Fort Park has seen many tenants come and go since opening in 2015. The latest restaurant to leave the outdoor shipping container food court is Boom's Thai Kitchen, which was a draw as soon as it opened in 2022. However, Fairhope Thai food fans were thrilled when Boom's Thai Kitchen relocated inside the Fairhope Piggly Wiggly in August. Stop in and get something from the hot bar, or place a special order and shop for your groceries while you wait. The hand-rolled spring rolls are a must.
100 Plantation Point Road, Fairhope
Sean's Prime Dining - closing
August came to a close with the announcement that Sean's Prime Dining was closing its doors. The spot opened in March 2022 and offered diners a seasonal menu and top-notch cocktails. The farewell letter posted to Sean's Prime Dining Facebook page said, in part, "It is with heavy heart that we say goodbye to Downtown Fairhope and hello to a new adventure."
Mary Ann's Deli - moving
The Sean's Prime Dining location on North Section Street did not have a moment of vacancy. In the closure announcement, it was announced that Mary Ann's Deli would move into the space. Just a couple of weeks after the announcement, Mary Ann's opened its doors Thursday, Sept. 12. Mary Ann's Deli has been a Fairhope institution since 1984 and has occupied several spaces around town. Most recently, the eatery called The Mill home for 14 years. The Mill was recently purchased by a new owner who opted not to renew owner Bob Coppoletta's lease. Mary Ann's Deli was given 40 days to find a new home. They didn't have to move far and have a more central location.
58 N. Section St., Fairhope
The Mill - opening
There's a new owner and vision for the once-bustling building on North Bancroft Street in Fairhope. Daniel and Allison Beebe, owners of Gulf Coast Events & Rentals and Bellforest Pointe, have purchased The Mill according to a Facebook post by Allison Beebe Aug. 30. The space will be transformed into an event venue called Apiary. Their website and Facebook posts state the space will open in Spring 2025.
85 N. Bancroft St., Fairhope
The Blind Tiger - opening
The long wait is over, and The Blind Tiger has opened on the Fairhope Pier. The Blind Tiger announced the addition to their brand in 2022. The old restaurant building on the pier has been home to several restaurants over the years, but it had sat empty for a period and required significant upgrades. All the work has finished, and the doors opened to the public Aug. 30. The restaurant has been bustling with curious locals. If you are looking for a sunset and cocktail, this is the place to be.
1 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
Southern Grove Vineyard - opening
The live oaks and pine trees in Baldwin County hide many treasures. One of the newest jewels to emerge is the Southern Grove Vineyard. The vineyard is situated on a 22-acre farm with fertile soil nurturing 16 varieties of grapes growing on 1,200 vines. Southern Grove Vineyard offers visitors a beautiful space to drink wine, eat food, play games and listen to music inside and out. The doors opened to the public in early August and have already become a popular spot.
10176 County Road 32, Fairhope
Delta Grocery Restaurant - opening
If you ever enjoyed the culinary creations at Delta Soul or Fairhope Burger Company in The Mill, you need to stop in and try Delta Grocery Restaurant. Located inside the building once occupied by Blue Marlin Restaurant, owner Ryan Holloway is serving up the culinary delights of the Delta. The restaurant officially opened in April, and a pass by during mealtime proves it is a popular spot.
8594 U.S. 98, Fairhope
Clovis Cafe - opening
Tania Cooper and Faye Klumpp opened Clovis Cafe in May. The small restaurant sits on Boothe Road and serves hearty meals like Momma used to make. Stop in and sample the home-cooked options ranging from swamp soup to pork chops and meatloaf to freshly made desserts.
19549 Boothe Road, Fairhope
Market By The Bay - returning, moving
Market By The Bay is returning to Fairhope but this time downtown. The brand has been a staple on the Eastern Shore for many years, but the Fairhope location closed in 2021. The Daphne location closed briefly in 2022 after the LeJuene family decided to close the business after 19 years. Michael Sullivan, who began his culinary career in the kitchen of Market By the Bay, convinced the owner/partners of Manci's and Buster's Brick Oven, Harry Johnson and Garrett DeLuca, to join him in reopening the business in 2022. Just last week, the group announced the brand would return to Fairhope inside the former Dragonfly Foodbar location on social media Sept. 27. No timeline has been given for the opening.
7 Church St., Fairhope
Starbucks - opening
Fairhope residents now have their own Starbucks. The simultaneously anticipated and dreaded national coffee shop opened last week. The coffee shop scene in Fairhope is thick with competition, but the local population has supported their personal favorites this long. Only time will tell if Starbucks' convenient drive-through and location on U.S. 98 will make any impact.
53 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope
Whiskey Bay Bar & Grill - opening
If you want a new place to watch the game, meet up with your pals or shoot some pool, head to Whiskey Bay Bar & Grill. The establishment opened in July inside the former home of Hooters in Daphne. The exterior has gotten a refresh, and the interior boasts pool tables, TVs everywhere, music and more. Whisky Bay has quickly become a happening spot on the Eastern Shore.
28975 U.S. 98, Daphne
Nothing Bundt Cakes - opening
Eastern Shore residents hankering for Bundt cake no longer need to drive to Mobile or Pensacola or dirty their kitchens. The national brand Nothing Bundt Cakes opened in Daphne this month. Housed inside a new strip mall on U.S. 98 across from Target, the corner shop offers Bundt cakes ranging in size from Buntinis and Buntlets to full-size. When it comes to flavors, the brand rolls out seasonal flavors like caramel apple cider and pumpkin spice to their classic flavors like chocolate chip, lemon and vanilla. The brand also has gluten-free options available.
1703 U.S. 98, Daphne
Teak House - moving
Back in July, Teak House announced on social media it was closing temporarily and that the building would be torn down. The restaurant is set to relocate to a brand-new strip mall next to its old location, just down from Nothing Bundt Cakes. While they have not announced an opening date, the sign is up on the building.
1703 U.S. 98, Daphne
Chick-fil-A - moving
Construction is moving swiftly on the new Daphne Chick-fil-A building thanks to prefabricated exterior walls. The original location closed at the end of July after an announcement was made the brand had acquired The Wacky Shrimp building next door in June. Both buildings were torn down to make room for a new Chick-fil-A that will use the Wacky Shrimp property for parking and the drive-through.
1682 U.S. 98, Daphne
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