FAIRHOPE – The restaurant on the Fairhope Municipal Pier will reopen in early 2023 as the fifth location of The Blind Tiger, company officials said.

Company owner Thomas Genin said he is looking forward to opening the new restaurant on the pier overlooking Mobile Bay.

“This location is amazing,” Genin said. “I have driven from Slidell to Apalachicola looking for locations and, from a waterfront standpoint, I haven’t seen anything that compares to this.”

Fairhope resident and Genin’s partner in the project, Brent Barkin, said he is looking forward to seeing The Blind Tiger’s impact in the community.

“This will bring additional life to a landmark in Fairhope,” Barkin said. “Our hope is that The Blind Tiger will be the catalyst that ignites this portion of Fairhope and builds upon the great foundation that already exists downtown. Our family is thrilled to be part of Thomas’ vision for the pier.”

The existing 2,500-square-foot space at the pier will be gutted and renovated, with possible expansion in the future. Any growth would revolve around the water that will surround the restaurant.

“Being an avid boater, I am excited about the ability to take friends and family by boat to this wonderful new destination on the Eastern Shore,” Mike Saucier, president of Gulf States Real Estate Services, said. “There has been a need for more waterfront dining and The Blind Tiger will do just that.”

Saucier and local broker Donald Holyfield managed The Blind Tiger transaction.

Genin said the restaurant will feature fresh Gulf Coast fare. The menu, which is usually displayed on a chalkboard, features items like a double cheddar burger, Gulf shrimp poboy, mahi mahi tacos, pulled pork nachos and seared yellowfin tuna.

“Our menu is simple and the items on it are delicious,” Genin said. “The Blind Tiger in Fairhope will be a fun, casual waterfront spot where you can get great food and drink and, if you want to, pull your boat up right to the restaurant.”

The company is also looking at adding amenities such as pontoon boat rentals, sunset cruises and kayak and paddle board rentals on the pier. The Blind Tiger also has a kids’ fishing rodeo and fundraiser in the works, Genin said.

“Mayor (Sherry) Sullivan and the City Council have been instrumental in making this location work for us,” Genin said. “We can’t wait to be part of the Fairhope community.”

The Blind Tiger is currently interviewing concession businesses interested in setting up shop on the Fairhope Municipal Pier. Anyone wanting more information can email tag@theblindtiger.biz or go to the company website at theblindtiger.biz.