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The name of Scuttlebutt Pub & Cocktails, which opened in 2005, is inspired by the term coined on a Navy ship, where rumors and gossip would be exchanged, tying into the bar's motto of "Enter as a stranger, leave as a friend."

Since taking ownership three years ago, Daniel Cox IV and Marti Webster have breathed new life into Scuttlebutt in an effort to dive further into the motto and solidify its place in Foley's growing downtown community.

The couple — business partners, and they've been dating for 10 years — moved to Baldwin County five years ago to pursue real estate investing. During a dinner party, Chef Ira from Local & Co. in Foley suggested they check out Scuttlebutt's karaoke night. Most in the group had not heard of the place, a dive bar at 319 A N. McKinzie St. nestled next to Terrezza Optical, but Cox said he immediately fell in love with it and inquired about its availability for sale. By November 2021, only 30 days later, they had become the proud owners of Scuttlebutt.

They have transformed the atmosphere. Before, if you avoid cigarettes, you probably didn't frequent Scuttlebutt.

Under the business name DanMar Hospitality Group, Cox and Webster remodeled the interior, which is now ventilated and non-smoking inside, and they've added arcade games, pool tables and darts, all aimed at enhancing the overall experience. While some staff stayed on for the transition, it appears the couple has hired all current employees.

When they purchased the pub, they inherited a "humble liquor inventory of only seven bottles" and built it to a collection of over 257. They revamped the drink menu with a prohibition-style theme, elevating it to offer a diverse selection of cocktails, from the classic old fashioned or whiskey sour to a lemon drop martini or ginbreeze. They also infused the menu with their love of Caribbean culture, adding tiki-style drinks with names like the watermelon-tini, pineapple upside down and Jamaican buttpunch.

"The flavors need to come together and balance each other. We focus heavily on creating that harmony," Cox said.

Marti Webster calls the pub a "five-star dive bar."

"Daniel has a really good palate for different bourbons, tequilas, whiskeys and rums. He enjoys sharing that experience with anyone who's interested, willing to listen and eager to learn," Webster said.

The menu also encourages patrons to "get creative" with the challenge that their bartenders can make any off-menu shot or cocktail. They also offer 32-ounce buckets with beachy-flavored rums and mixers.

Scuttlebutt also serves food from Foley Brunch and Supper Club down the street, which is also part of DanMar Hospitality Group. The food is made at the diner and delivered straight to the bar. The couple acquired the 104-year-old site, formerly Foley Coffey Shop, also a place that was known as a gathering spot for conversation over meals, in November 2022, further expanding their footprint in Foley as well as their mission of hospitality in the community.

Cox and Webster are passionate about not only changing the environment inside their establishment but also fostering a sense of community. They recently hosted a cornhole tournament and have plans for more events in 2025, including wine tastings and organized poker tournaments. Their goal is to bring people together, create fun experiences and strengthen the sense of community in Foley.

"We're here to elevate the city," Cox said. "We want to create a subculture within the culture. We're here to launch fun projects for the city and our surrounding areas. That's our calling. Our calling is Foley."

Despite having no experience in bar or restaurant ownership prior to gaining ownership over Scuttlebutt, Webster and Cox have transformed the establishment into a safe, fun and welcoming space in downtown Foley, an area that is growing rapidly and evolving to add more businesses and restaurants. The Foley Arts and Entertainment District launched in November to allow alcoholic beverages purchased from participating restaurants outside, and Scuttlebutt is one of those restaurants.

"We came here to fit in, to contribute and to make the city better. We have no ulterior motives other than to show people that you don't have to be an expert at everything to accomplish something," Cox said. "You just go out there, do the hard work, figure it out, put it together and get it done."