The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores has a new dining spot with Safari and Vine opening its doors this week.

Safari and Vine is run by Rich and Pam Lee, who also run Portabella's up the road in Foley. After the zoo's previous restaurant, Savanna, closed last year, the couple spoke with the zoo and would later put in a proposal for their concept, which ultimately was accepted.

When creating the menu, Pam Lee said they aimed to create a global-inspired menu with a variety of sandwiches, salads, shareables and entrees to choose from, whether it be Australian comfort food or wings made using spices from Africa.

They also have an extensive drink menu that features both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails. New to the retaurant space and the zoo, patrons can take drinks outside and through the zoo on their visit.

"It's such a special place," she said about opening the establishment at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. "To be part of this, to be able to get people to understand that we've got to save these animals, that it's our planet. We only have one shot at this, and to be in this part of Alabama and bring people to understanding that other parts of the world are hurting our animals, this is our way of giving back and [promoting] general conservation. The challenges that are happening around the world, we want to bring awareness to it."

In addition, she also said it has always been their passion to make the restaurant experience more than just going out to eat.

"It's much more fun when you get to play with your food and there's playful things on the menu as well as sophisticated things," Pam said. "We wanted everybody to just feel welcome when they get here and also want to visit the zoo because it's a really cool place as you can see."

Safari and Vine is located right by the entrance and does not require admission to the zoo to eat there.

They are open for lunch every day from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For dinner, they are open from 4 to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 4 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.