Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina closing this weekend after 10 years

By MELANIE LECROY
Lifestyle Editor
melanie@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 11/1/23

Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina will serve its last customers Nov. 7. “When we opened our doors 10 years ago, we could not have imagined how blessed we feel today. We are beyond grateful …

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Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina closing this weekend after 10 years

Posted

Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina will serve its last customers Nov. 7.

“When we opened our doors 10 years ago, we could not have imagined how blessed we feel today. We are beyond grateful to the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores community for embracing Fisher’s and making memories with us that will last a lifetime," a statement posted to the restaurant’s Facebook page read.

"Your loyalty and support have been the cornerstone of our business, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank each and every one of you."

The restaurant asked that customers come and share one last meal before the doors close forever.

"We would like to thank our staff, past and present, for being such an integral part of our restaurants and for helping us deliver exceptional hospitality to our countless guests over the years. Each of you will always be a part of our Fisher’s family," the statement read.

The Fisher’s closure may feel like déjà vu as the restaurant group suddenly shuttered Playa at Sportsman Marina on Oct. 2.

Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina and Playa was the brainchild of chef Bill Briand and restauranteur Bill Fisher.

“Basically, what we’re trying to do here is utilize the freshest Gulf seafood possible, smokers, house-cursed meats and local vegetables to give people an experience here they can’t get anywhere else,” executive chef Bill Briand said in a 2013 interview with Gulf Coast Media about the restaurant's emphasis on farm-to-table. “I’m excited to have a kitchen that is dependent on that.”

Briand built a customer base that is taking the closing hard. The comments on the Facebook post have expressed sadness and wishing the team well.

Alabama celebrity chef Martie Duncan commented, “I am truly heartbroken. I loved my experience there with all of you earlier this summer and have loved every single meal I’ve ever had there. Sending much love to Chef Briand, Jamie and the entire team. Will definitely be there this week. This one hurts.”

Lisa Costa commented, “I’m heartbroken. My husband and I had our wedding reception there in 2015, and we haven’t missed dinner there every time we’ve been at the beach since! Love your chef, the wait staff and all the other members of your team. The best food by far on the coast. You will be missed for sure.”

Over the restaurant’s 10 years, Briand has welcomed chefs from all over the country for his popular dinner series called Southern Grace Dinners. The names have varied from James Beard winner Nina Compton, Emeril Lagasse, John Besh, Frank Stitt and, just this summer, Martie Duncan, Jim Smith, Josh Quick and Chris Lilly.

It is unclear what is next for Briand and Fisher and what will happen to the restaurant space at Orange Beach Marina.