One of the most vibrant attractions of living in Baldwin County and along the Alabama Gulf Coast is its food scene. It's constantly changing, which is great for hungry eaters and those who like trying new tastes, but it can also be a challenge to keep up with it all.

Here is a quick, non-comprehensive overview of some top openings and closings Gulf Coast Media reported on this year, in no particular order. For complete food and dining coverage, go to www.gulfcosatmedia.com/food.

Wawa opened its first Alabama store in April in Fairhope, followed by another in Baldwin County in Robertsdale in September. Parlor Doughnuts opened in Gulf Shores in May. May also saw the opening of The Galway Irish Public House, the brainchild of those who brought you Blues Burger, in May.

The summer season saw the reopening of Bahama Bob's after a July 2023 fire, the addition of Café Viola in Fairhope, Milkshake Momma Burgers & Shakes in Orange Beach, Pelican Scoops in Gulf Shores and The Gathering Place in Foley. Foam Coffee in Gulf Shores announced its expansion plans, and it was revealed the historic Foley Bakery building will become a Colt Grill BBQ & Spirits. The Hope Farm announced chef Bill Briand, five-time James Beard-nominated chef of the former Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina, will open its new restaurant, Little Bird Fairhope.

Back on the chain end, Mugshots Grill & Bar opened on Hwy. 59 in Foley in June across from Tanger Outlets.

July saw the closure of The Wacky Shrimp after 12 years in Daphne – Chick-fil-A bought the property – and Hazel's Nook in Gulf Shores after 44 years. Duck's Diner reopened it under its name shortly after. Portside on Main at The Wharf in Orange Beach announced its initial tenants, with food options including Kilwins, Bubble's Boba Tea Co. and Crave Cookies.

In August, plans for a full-service Margaritaville Resort at The Wharf Landing were announced. It will feature multiple restaurants. Less than a week after closing its former location, Tin Top Restaurant and Bar reopened just down the road in a new building, and The Blind Tiger opened on the Fairhope Pier after a two-year wait.

Southern Chili Lab announced a temporary closure amid moving to a new location in The Wharf and is working on rebuilding its product.

Fairhope saw the closure of Sean's Prime Dining, as well as a new vineyard called Southern Grove Vineyard and the opening of Delta Grocery, Clovis Café, a new location for Market by the Bay and a new Starbucks. Daphne got a Whiskey Bay Bar & Grill and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Gulf Shores saw the opening of Topsail Steamer in October, while Foley saw the opening of the highly anticipated Cheeseburger Randy's after restaurateur Alex Warner left Bagel Boy and partnered with Marcus Owens. The spot shares a space with Black Cat Vegan Bakery's first brick-and-mortar.

Elberta Pizza opened in Elberta and Tulum Mexican Cuisine opened in Daphne in November. November also saw a proposal come through Bay Minette City Council to consider an economic development project downtown that would bring Baldwin County's second Big Mike's Steakhouse.