FAIRHOPE — The Ole Barnwell Cafe serves Southern staples at a familiar place on US 98.

Located at 8594 U.S. 98, the building dates back to the 1930s and was previously occupied by dining establishments such as Blue Marlin Restaurant and Delta Grocery Restaurant. The building's owners, Robert and Irene Comalander, still live just steps away. In March, the property reopened as the Ole Barnwell Cafe, operated by Cooper Restaurants, a division of the Cooper Group of Companies founded by brothers David Cooper Sr. and Angus Cooper II, who also own establishments such as Felix's Fish Camp on the causeway along Mobile Bay.

"They're fantastic," manager Jared Lisenby said about the Comalanders. "They're community staples here in Barnwell, and they've honestly been integral to getting us set up. Without them, I don't know where it would be."

The restaurant specializes in steaks and seafood, serving ribeyes and filets along with shrimp, soft shell crab, fish and gumbo. They also serve specials and chef features every week that vary from Southern fried chicken to pork chops with jambalaya.

Since opening their doors, Lisenby said the sense of community pervades the area.

"This is a really historic location," Lisenby said. "This is a really unique area. Barnwell is very community-driven, and it's been really nice to get to know the people here. We've helped out with a couple of events so far, and we're looking forward to doing some more events."

Ole Barnwell Cafe is currently open on Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and from Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Their hours will change starting in September, opening Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays  from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.