With 2025 almost over, Baldwin County’s food scene has seen some new places open for business — and some said goodbye.

With a county growing as big and fast as Baldwin County, the food and dining options here are also bound to change, whether it be a new specialty food spot opening near the beaches of Gulf Shores or a new dining experience opening along the Eastern Shore.

Here are some of the most notable things that have happened in Baldwin County’s dining scene this year.

Colt Gril BBQ and Spirits comes and goes

In downtown Foley, Colt Grill BBQ and Spirits opened in the old Foley Bakery building, which was built in 1925, at the corner of North Alston Street and West Laurel Avenue. The establishment served both traditional barbecue and other dishes and food, such as hand-ground burgers and handmade tacos, which were all made from their own smoked meats.

However, its life in Foley was short-lived. After opening in January, Colt Grill, along with its four other locations in Arizona, shut down in the summer due to a federal investigation into the owners involving alleged criminal activity including money laundering and labor exploitation, resulting in the indictment of four people, including owners Brenda and Robert Clouston.

After Colt closed, the building sat vacant until it was announced that Half Shell Oyster House will  take its place. The restaurant is set to open early 2026.

Flying Harpoon closes its doors

The beloved dive bar in Orange Beach, Flying Harpoon II, closed its doors in October.

Located at 23479 Perdido Beach Blvd., Flying Harpoon II was a popular spot in Orange Beach for food, drinks and live music since opening in 2012, having previously been located in Gulf Shores where Ice House Tap Room now resides. The other Flying Harpoon restaurant, located at Port Saint Joe, Florida, will remain open.

After closing in October, the property was purchased by Garrett Spence and Michelle Deerman, who also own Duck’s Diner in Orange Beach. They plan to turn the building into Driftwood Oyster Bar, which will open in 2026.

Bill McGinnes, ‘Papa Rocco,’ passes away

Baldwin County lost an iconic restaurateur with the passing of Bill McGinnes, founder of Papa Rocco’s in Gulf Shores, in July.

McGinnes began working as a project manager for 20 years with ModCo, the world’s largest cutting tool manufacturer, but he always dreamed about starting his own restaurant. In 1985, he and his wife Rose opened Papa Rocco’s at 101 W. 6th Ave. in Gulf Shores, which has since become a spot for tasty pizza and a vibrant atmosphere.

Along with opening Papa Rocco’s, McGinnes also had a role in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Walking Parade, having helped turn the parade and pub crawl into a community event that has drawn hundreds of participants, who walk down Highway 59 in Gulf Shores and stop by bars along the way.

Margaritaville is coming to Orange Beach

Margaritaville is coming to Baldwin County as part of a multi-phase project at the Wharf in Orange Beach.

The site covers 70 acres and will be located across the Intracoastal Waterway from The Wharf. The resort will span across three district and will feature amenities such as condominiums, pools, a lazy river and retail space.

Groundbreaking for the site was held in May, with Margaritaville set to open in spring 2027, with the rest of the resort to be completed by 2029. Ahead of its opening, the Margaritaville themed Last Mango Bar & Chill will open in 2026 in Marlin Circle next to the Wharf store, featuring an outdoor bar, a full-service indoor restaurant and a dedicated entertainment corner featuring an arcade and jukebox.

50 Years of the Bushwacker

The iconic bushwacker celebrated its 50th anniversary this year as it continues to be a classic staple of the Gulf Coast.

The original buscwacker was invented in 1975 by bartender Angie Conigliaro and bar manager Tom Brokamp, who worked at the Ship’s Store Pub on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and was intended as a tropical take on the White Russian. The drink was named after Buscwack, an Afghan hound who was brought into the bar by a patron.

Despite starting in the Virgin Islands, the recipe made its way to the Gulf Coast and spread like wildfire. Today, the buscwacker remains a popular drink among beach goers, bar patrons, tourists and long-time residents. Variations of the drink can be found almost everywhere, including seasonal variations for occasions such as Mardi Gras and Christmas.

Notable Openings in Baldwin County

In case you missed it, here are some new places that have opened across Baldwin County this past year.

• The Beli moved to The Wharf in Orange Beach, serving several specialty sandwiches, salads, and breakfast daily.
• Fairhope Social Club opened at at 14 N. Church St. in Fairhope, described as a casual eatery with a modern twist.
• Grizzly Pizza and Wings opened at 1709 Main St. in Daphne, with Fat-Al’s Burger Joint having also opened just next door by the same owners.
• Mythic Beach Banana Bar opened at 524 W. Beach Blvd in Gulf Shores, serving chocolate-dipped bananas with a variety of toppings to choose from.
• The Novel Rose opened at 103 W. Laurel Ave. in Foley as a place for book lovers to gather to read or hang out while grabbing something to eat or drink.
• Parlour Doughnuts opened a new location at 51 S. Church St. in Fairhope, serving doughnuts made fresh daily and coffee.
• Peach Cobbler Factory opened at 947 N. McKenzie St. in Foley, a dessert shop with its signature dessert being a cup of peach cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• The Quirky Mac opened at 10185 County Road 64 in Daphne, serving specialty flavored macarons and coffee.
• State Street Coffee and Ice Cream opened at 24893 State St. in Elberta, serving freshly brewed coffee and a variety of ice cream flavors.
• Tee Off opened at The Wharf in Orange Beach, providing a simulated golf experience along with a variety of food and drinks.