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Table
of Contents

Letter from Michele Nelson 3
President Meyer Vacation
Rentals

Welcome to the Alabama 7
Gulf Coast

Emergency Numbers 8

Note from the Publisher 10

Dining Section 11

Golf Courses 53

Fun Stuff & Attractions 57

Alabama Fishing 81

Shopping 88

Published by Marketing Success LLC
PO Box 3854
Gulf Shores AL 36547
251.550.6631

Summer 2016

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Welcome to the Beautiful
Alabama Gulf Coast
White Sand, Emerald Green Water
and the Friendliest People in the World.

Welcome to the Alabama Gulf Coast! Visitors are often surprised at the friendly
Sometimes affectionately referred to as reception offered by the local residents,
the “Redneck Riviera”, the 32 miles of making the area a haven for travelers
sugar-white soft sand and clear water looking to “get away from it all” to the
is more often called “Pleasure Island”, beach for family vacations and weekend
getaways.
toorEtehveDeneInT“tPiraeTraadOreisae1s”!t3rLeo0tcchaWilnsgsOfimroRpmlyDGreuSflef r

Shores to Orange Beach as “The Gulf”.

No matter what term is used to
describe the area, the appeal is the
same – beautiful, pristine beaches,
championship golf and water sports,
world-class fishing and an abundance of
top-notch seafood restaurants. Zip lines,
mini golf courses, water parks and more
are within easy reach for family-oriented
fun.

A Note from the Publisher

Thanks for visiting the beautiful Take a minute & flip through the
Alabama Gulf Coast! The Things book to get a feel for the variety
To Do on the Gulf Coast of possibilities out there and start
Vacation Guide is the newest enjoying your vacation today!
publication in the area to help you
enjoy this getaway more than any Don’t forget to take a look at the
vacation you’ve ever had anywhere FREE TOURIST BOOK. You can
in the world! save a ton of money and make your
visit with us just that much happier.
We’ve featured the best restaurants,
adventures, fun stuff, fishing, golf
courses, shopping and nightlife.

We’re Glad You’re Here!

Gail McDorman
PUBLISHER

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Local Service Numbers

AIRPORTS 251-967-3968 jka.us.com
Jack Edwards Airport (Gulf Shores) 251-633-4510 mobairport.com
Mobile Regional Airport 850-436-5000 flypensacola.com
Pensacola International Airport
GulfShores.com or OrangeBeach.com
EMERGENCY SERVICES | POLICE MyGulfCoastChamber.com

Gulf Shores 251-968-2431 or 911 mygulfcoastchamber.com
Orange Beach 251-981-9777 or 911 mygulfcoastchamber.com
visitperdido.com
VISITOR INFORMATION 251-974-1510 southbaldwinchamber.com
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism 251-968-6904
Coastal Alabama Business Chamber baldwincountyal.gov/departments/BRATS

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 1140 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores
101 E. 15th Avenue, Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores-Orange Beach 251-968-6904 Orange Beach, Winn Dixie Center
Orange Beach, PUBLIX Shopping Center
AL Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce
2149 West 1st St.
Perdido Key 850-492-4660 25778 John M Snook Dr, Behind City Hall
Offered by Pack and Mail, Winn Dixie Center
Foley 251-943-3291

PUBLIC TRANSIT 251-972-6817
BRATS

EMERGENCY MEDICAL 251-968-2272
Infirmary Urgent Care 251-962-1250
South Baldwin Medical Center 251-964-7425
Emergency Medical Walk In 251-974-3004
AFC Urgent Family Care Center

POST OFFICE AND PACKAGE SHIPPING 800-275-8777
Gulf Shores 251-981-5510
Orange Beach 251-981-7225
Fedex and UPS

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ADVERTISE HERE

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Drinking & Dining
Gulf Coast Style

Fine Dining, Casual Beachfront or Family-Friendly, we have it all.
And...the Freshest Seafood in the Country!

Some come for the beautiful beaches, minutes away.
others for the fishing, camping and
recreational fun. But as the old saying Whether hungry folks are in the
goes, “Everyone’s gotta eat”, and the mood for pizza, burgers, steaks,
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area has or sandwiches – there are options
galore. Samplings from Asian, Italian,
plenty toEoDffeIrTin tThaOt de1p7ar0tment! Mexican and other cultural selections
are available, as well as “good ole
Along wiWth iOts RwoDrldS-clMassAbXeaches, American” meals and even authentic
“Down Home Southern Cooking”, not
the Alabama Gulf Coast has also long available anywhere else in the country.
been known for its fine fishing and –
subsequently – bountiful choices for Whether you are in the mood to dress
eateries offering fresh Gulf of Mexico up for a fancy meal or throw a cover-up
seafood. While seafood may be the on over your swimsuit straight from the
main attraction for a good deal of beach, it won’t be hard to find a good
visitors (and locals), however, there is
literally something for every taste only

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Meet Bubba!

When Bubba sez “Eat Here” He means “EAT HERE!”

Bubba was born on his daddy’s boat, and tell tales...like about the ‘big
right out there in the Gulf one hot ole hurricane’ that almost sunk the
summer day. That’s right...that’s the whole island!
boat right above our drink’n spot
Or if you’re really lucky, he’ll tell you
Bubba’s momma, “Momma Queenie” about the record grouper he caught
was always cook’n a few years ago.

Her seafood and fri’d pickles are It fed 25 folks once he got it fri’d
the stuff of legends. Bubba learned up!
it all – how to catch the biggest and
best seafood and how to cook it to Are you looking for a unique idea for
perfection. a party or special function? Just call
Bubba’s! We also cater and offer fast
One day he found this here run down take-out service.
shack. He got to think’n and decided
to open his own restaurant so you We really hope you enjoy your meal
good folks can enjoy the bounty. and come see us again really soon!

Bubba spends most of his time on Enjoy!
the Gulf fishing, but he has been Jay & Valerie
known to drop in, pull up a stool

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Brian & Jodi Harsany

Cosmo’s. Cobalt, Luna’s and Buzzcatz.

The names Brian & Jodi Harsany drum Then, he moved to server, and finally
up images of dishes of perfection. When assistant manager after he graduated
you think of their renown establishments Florida State University with a Hospitality
in the area like Cobalt and Cosmo’s Administration degree.
Restaurant and Bar, you cannot help but
experience the visual images of fish filets Working in restaurants has and given
coming out of the kitchen. The aroma him the joy to meet new people daily. He
of the Gulf Coast’s finest creations will appreciates the fact that no two days in
seep into your memories. the restaurant world are ever alike, and
every new day brings new challenges
Cobalt is locally famous for the fantastic and opportunities.
views the outdoor seating offers, as well
as the three distinct kitchens preparing Naturally, Brian has an amazing wife,
amazingly memorable meals. Cosmo’s Jodi, whose patience and support have
has, hands down, the best redfish made all of the dreams and expansions
meal on our island (pecan-encrusted possible. Brian credits her with the
goodness) and are in the middle of creativity behind the eateries, as she
their 10-year anniversary of creating chooses the colors, designs, lighting and
memories for locals and visitors alike. artwork, and she is the one who gives
each place a different and welcoming,
One of the best parts is that Cosmo’s memorable vibe.
provides outdoor patio dining where they
welcome your happy, friendly dogs. When Brian and Jodi take the day off,
you can find them working out, paddle
Brian has worked hard to produce boarding, and gardening together.
quality, and that quality is now being
expanded via Buzzcatz Coffee and Brian and Jodi follow the advice from
Sweets, where you can stop in for a Danny Meyer, who is an acclaimed
homemade pastry, locally made coffee, restauranteur.
ice cream or a sugary treat. Right next to
Buzzcatz is the event center which can “Take a guest’s experience and do a
be utilized to host receptions and parties little extra.”
as well as formal dinners. Here you can
dine and unwind while enjoying the best Brian & Jodi ensure that every eatery
that Brian has to offer. that is visited by their guests produce a
positive, memorable experience every.
Lastly, you can experience a unique time they visit.
twist of traditional dishes at Luna’s Eat
and Drink, which offers more a la carte
meals and over 30 different craft beers
to choose from while enjoying your meal.

Brian has been in the business of
creating memories from meals for over
three decades, and began his love affair
with restaurants from the bottom-up.
He was washing dishes and bussing
tables when he was 16 in Tallahassee.

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We’re not in Kansas any more

Dorothy’s Favorite Pancakes on the Gulf Coast

Most people would agree that no matter “It goes back to why we decided to open
how far and wide you travel, there is the very first one, to bring people some
truly no place like home. For Jennifer sense of homecoming after Hurricane
and Erich Weishaupt, owners of the Katrina. Based off our name, we agree
aptly-named Ruby Slipper Café in with Dorothy Gale that there is no place
Orange Beach, these words have never like home!”
rung truer.
Now, along with their three children, the
What started out in New Orleans in couple are offering up their version of
the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina “home” right here in Orange Beach. In
as an amenity for the storm-ravaged addition to running and parenting, the
neighborhood to attract residents to couple enjoy being actively involved in
re-occupy homes in the area, has now the communities they serve.
blossomed into a successful location
right here on the Alabama Gulf Coast. “Sharing the city we love (New Orleans)
through great food and a friendly
“We knew our tagline “No Place Like experience if why we love this journey.”
Home” resonated with the New Orleans
market, but we wanted to test the brand
and restaurant outside of the Big Easy,”
said Jennifer. “The Gulf Coast was
perfect to test the concept with the
seasonal traffic.”

The first “Ruby Slipper” was
constructed merely blocks away from
their own Mid-City New Orleans home
and neighborhood, which had been
deluged with over five feet of water.
With a goal of helping to revitalize the
area, Jennifer and Erich sought the
perfect name for their project.

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Meet Leck & Jana
Owners of Big Fish Restaurant

Leck Lilayuva, is a native of Orange Being the beef lover that Leck is, he
Beach of 40 years. Jana Lilayuva is also wanted to have the best steaks
from the Czech Republic but has lived around. He only uses prime quality
in Orange Beach for over 20 years filets and ribeyes and hand cuts them
herself. Combined, they have nearly 40 all personally. Big Fish also has an
years of experience in the restaurant extensive sushi bar with the highest-
business. grade product available.

Leck’s father owned Niki’s Seafood When you visit, you’ll feel like you’re in
Restaurant on canal road in Orange New York or downtown L.A. The décor
Beach from 1979-2003. Leck literally and ambiance is very chic and elegant.
grew up in that restaurant. Jana It has an upscale feel without being too
worked in restaurants ever since she stuffy.
arrived from the Czech Republic.
The service is second to none! The
They met working together in a whole staff is always friendly, smiling
restaurant in 2006 and married in 2007. and very well-versed on the menu.
Late in 2009 they decided to venture Even the kitchen staff will greet you
out on their own – Big Fish was born when you walk by since the kitchen is
Jan. 5, 2010! wide-open near the bar. And on one of
those pleasant Gulf evenings you can
Big Fish has it’s own unique flair unlike dine out in the beautiful courtyard.
any restaurant on the Gulf Coast.
Chef Leck’s father is from Bangkok, Big Fish is definitely a change of pace
Thailand. Leck wanted to bring his from all the other restaurants in the
heritage to the menu and incorporated area. Don’t expect a waterfront view
an Asian flair to some of his dishes. It’s but you’ll enjoy a great experience in
very subtle, not overpowering. He has a beautiful restaurant with outstanding
introduced different herbs and spices to food, wonderful ambiance and smiling
the area without being considered an faces.
Asian restaurant.
This is the type of place you want
Big Fish specializes in freshness. All to dress to impress! So leave the
the fresh catch is hand-cut by Leck swimsuit and flops at home and hit the
himself. They have anywhere from town in style!
8-14 types of fish on the menu each
night as well as large diver scallops,
fresh lobster, mussels, snow crabs,
colossal-lump crabcakes and a lot of
other fresh seafood.

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Johnny Fisher

Fine or Casual Waterfront Dining at Orange Beach Marina

It may sound like a fairy tale to some “I love the people I get to work with,”
– local boy starts from the bottom said Fisher. “The service industry
and works his way to the top. For attracts a special kind of person and I
Johnny Fisher, though, the fairy tale love having the opportunity to make a
has turned into more of a dream come positive influence on their lives.”
true…times two!
Fisher credits his wife Beth as the
Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina vision behind the successful Fisher’s
is comprised of two of the most retail store, “The Shop.” She buys all
beautiful restaurants in the South. of the unique and great products and
Located in the heart of Orange creates the most beautiful displays.
Beach Marina, Fisher’s Dockside Their two daughters, Julia (11) and
offers casual, open-air dining while Sophie (16), provide lots of tips and
Fisher’s Upstairs is sophisticated and inspiration.
gorgeous while still being comfortable
and relaxing. Fisher’s opened in May What may sound like a simple
of 2013 and has quickly become a philosophy has served Fisher well and
popular destination, recently named acts as the foundation for his thriving
one of Southern Living’s 100 Best business.
Restaurants in the South.
“Put your employees first and
After growing up in Mobile - fishing your guests will follow. Create an
in local waters and eating from his environment where your employees
parents’ garden - Fisher started his are smiling because they’re happy, not
journey as a restaurateur on the because you told them to. Make every
bottom rung of the ladder. During his guest feel special and always show
college years at The University of gratitude.”
South Alabama, he was a dishwasher/
busser at the legendary Korbets in Johnny has served on the Board of
Mobile. After graduating, Fisher moved Directors for Gulf Shores Orange
to New Orleans and helped open the Beach Tourism and the Coastal
House of Blues. Alabama Business Chamber.

Over the next decade, Fisher
continued to hone his skills in Orlando,
FL, where he helped open House
of Blues Orlando, and Miami, FL,
where he worked for The Cheesecake
Factory. In 2005 he returned “home”
to Alabama to become the general
manager of Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s in
Gulf Shores. In 2012, he was part of
the team that helped develop The Gulf
in Orange Beach.

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Chef Chris Sherrill

Amazing Cuisine at the World-Famous Flora-Bama.

Chris Sherrill knows from personal in the food industry, which has its
experience that “Life can change own challenges.
in 30 seconds”. One of his favorite
quotes to this day, these words “The restaurant business is one of
accurately describe his own entry the most fast paced and chaotic
into the culinary field over 25 years industries. There are many crazy
ago. days and many hectic moments. At
the end of the day it’s all about the
“I grew up in the Boy Scouts where customer.”
I loved to cook. I wanted to play
college football, but had an injury The Sherrill family consists of his
my senior year of high school,” said wife Jenny, son Alex and three
Sherrill. “Someone suggested that daughters - Taylor, Hannah and
I become a chef. I entered a high Sadie. Chris lists Coin Collecting,
school recipe contest and won a Metal Detecting, Fishing and Hunting
scholarship to Johnson & Wales as hobbies, but also has one interest
University. I graduated in 1997 and that jumps out from the rest of the
began my career.” list - making underutilized fish, flora,
and fauna become sought-after food
Now the Executive Chef overseeing items.
operations at Flora-Bama Yacht
Club, Flora-Bama Lounge & Not content to be satisfied with
Package, Flora-Bama Ole River his current success, Sherrill has
Grill, Sherrill also lives by another additional, lofty goals.
one of his favorite quotes: “If you can
kill it, I can grill it!” “I hope to cultivate a true “Alabama”
Cuisine. I want to start my own video
A Mardi Gras catering event brought production company and film my own
Sherrill down from Birmingham food concept shows. I want to see
over a decade ago, where a chance World Food Championship grow to
encounter with another culinary the most amazing food competition
visionary also helped to shape his event in the entire UNIVERSE.”
future.

“I met an amazing individual named
John Brunick. John had a vision for
a fantastic new restaurant concept.
John moved us down here in 2006
and we opened a very successful
catering business and restaurant.”

Sherrill points to the “instant
gratification” of making food
memories and “using my skill to help
others achieve their goals” as some
of his favorite aspects of his career

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Chef Billy Highland

Amazing Cuisine at the World-Famous Flora-Bama.

With over 32 years of experience in Highland also points to the diverse
the culinary field, Chef Billy Highland group of people he has met and
will be the first to admit that the prepared food for over the span of
industry is “in his blood.” the last three decades as a unique
benefit of his career choice. Among
With over 3 seasons at the Flora- others, he has met and prepared
Bama Ole River Grill under his belt, new dishes for the likes of Chris
working directly under Executive “Moondawg” Hall, Dallas Moore, Ted
Chef Chris Sherrill, Highland is Nugent, David Allen Coe, Billy Dean,
certainly no stranger to a kitchen. Michael Raye and the Robertson
family.
“My grandparents had a place called
Tuffy’s Tavern and Lucille’s Kitchen During his spare time, Highland
in Smithfield, Nebraska. At the age enjoys Fishing, Hunting and Music,
of 14, I would go to Nebraska for and is a self-proclaimed Beach
the summer and I would help my Lover. His family consists of his
grandmother in the kitchen.” “better half Paige Eddy, Ellie Guthrie
(Mom), Mike Highland (Brother),
Highland’s mom, Ellie Guthrie, also Chase Highland (Son) Kizer Highland
had 3 restaurants in central Florida, (Grandson).
where he helped until the age of 18
before eventually venturing out on Over the next several years,
his own. Highland looks forward to growing
his career with the Flora-Bama
So what could possibly keep a organization that has taken him in.
career “fresh” after so many years?
Working with fresh ingredients and “They treat you like a family member,
menu items is one of the keys for not just another number.”
Highland.

“I love getting into my creative side
where I get to create and prepare
exciting new specials. We will be
offering a fresh sheet on a regular
basis with our new and exciting new
menu!”

FPO

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Retailer of the Year

Article courtesy of gulfcoastnewstoday.com

George W. Skipper III, managing partner “The cost of these special chairs starts
of Tacky Jacks, has been won the Silver at $11,000, but they are priceless to
Alabama Retailer of the Year Award in the recipient – they’re life-changing,”
the Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million Skipper said. “People need to support our
Category. veterans.”
The waterfront dining restaurant chain, Tacky Jacks also raises money for the
with locations in Orange Beach, Gulf Alabama Gulf Coast Reef and Restoration
Shores and Fort Morgan, was one of 13 Foundation through the sales of a
businesses honored as Retailers of the specially developed Saltwater Mafia/
Year by the Alabama Retail Association, Tacky Jacks shirt.
in cooperation with the University of Locally, Tacky Jacks was nominated
Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School for and received the Coastal Alabama’s
of Business at the Alabama Retail Day Business Chambers Distinguished
luncheon in Birmingham. Business of the Year in 2015. This award
Tacky Jacks received several letters is based on involvement and leadership in
of recommendation for the award by the community.
members of the community and city Yolanda Johnson, the vice chair for Retail
leaders, including Gulf Shores Mayor and Business Services for the Coastal
Robert Craft, whose letter read in part, Alabama Business Chamber, nominated
“They are good business people, and Tacky Jacks for the award.
they are good citizens. Tacky Jacks pays “Tacky Jacks is our nominee because
it forward making Gulf Shores a better this company is a shining example
place to live.” of a very well-run organization that
Tacky Jacks began in 1979 as a small has exhibited strong growth, superior
tavern on Cotton Bayou, known for its employment practices, market leadership
access by land or sea. Today, all three and exemplary community involvement,”
locations feature the same unique water Johnson said.
and land access, as well as retail gift The Alabama Retailer of the Year awards,
shops with souvenirs and items from local started in 1999, honor retailers who
artists. have demonstrated growth, innovation
“We want to offer a great product along and a commitment to their respective
with fun for the whole family,” Skipper communities. This year’s winners came
said. “People come to the beach for the from a pool of more than 70 nominees.
seafood, the water, beautiful views and “George Skipper is a retailer of the year
relaxation. We feel we can offer all of every year to the Tacky Jacks customers,
those things. its 75 employees and the Orange
“But, we also want to make a difference.” Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan
Skipper said what makes him the most communities,” Alabama Retail Association
proud of his business is the work they President Rick Brown said.
do to support veterans. Last year, for The Alabama Retail Association
example, Tacky Jacks gave away an represents retailers, the largest private
Action Track wheelchair to a disabled employer in the state of Alabama,
veteran. before the Alabama Legislature and the
The wheelchair allowed the driver to U.S. Congress. Through sales of food,
go to the beach, hunting, camping or clothing, furniture, medicine and more, the
across any rough terrain that would have 4,100 independent merchant and national
been impossible without it. The funds company members touch almost every
to purchase the chair came from the aspect of daily living. Since 1943, the
voluntary donation box outside Tacky association has worked to promote what’s
Jacks, which the business then matched best for the retail industry in Alabama.
to pay for the chair.

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Meet Rick Volland

Elevated Southern Cuisine

Rick Volland is a veteran Baye’s combines the best of
restaurateur with a career that Capital City Grill’s upscale casual
spans more than 30 years in the dining with Stroubes most popular
service and hospitality industry. signature dishes. A strong wine
program and curated selection
From busboy during his college of craft beers rounds out the
years at LSU in Baton Rouge offerings. The location’s picturesque
to managing several Houlihan’s marina setting and ample outdoor
locations to a 5-year stint as general seating serves as a focal point and
manager and kitchen manger for inspiration for the restaurant.
multiple locations of J. Alexander’s,
Volland has in-depth, top-to-bottom Rick, his wife Sharon and their two
experience running successful kids Ricky & Ryleigh live in the
restaurants. Baton Rouge area and have always
enjoyed the people and lifestyle of
In 2001, Volland opened Capital this area. Someday, they hope to
City Grill in Baton Rouge. Following retire in Baldwin County.
the time-tested success of Capital
City Grill, Volland opened Stroubes Rick draws inspiration from Walt
in 2009 and Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar Disney’s famous quote:
in 2014.
“The difference between winning
As CEO and owner, Volland and losing is most often not
oversees all food operations, quitting.”
hiring, training, and management
of kitchen and front-of-house staff
in the restaurant group – known
for always exceeding guest
expectations.

The ongoing redevelopment of The
Wharf and addition of SpringHill
Suites by Marriott offers an exciting
opportunity to bring years of
experience and proven success
in the service and hospitality
industry to the transformation of this
entertainment and event district.

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Gulf Coast Seafood

The Freshest and Most Delicious Seafood in the Country.

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Meet Jeff & Ashley 37

Owners of Gulf Shores Steamer

The Gulf Shores Steamer has been
featured in such magazines and daily
newspapers as Southern Living,
Coastal Living, New Orleans Times
Picayune, and many other noted
periodicals. The Steamer continues to
thrive with the leadership of Scott Coe,
Ashley Ouellette and her husband
Jeff Price. The Steamer specializes
in steamed and grilled seafood. The
motto at the Steamer has always been
“NEVER FRIED”.

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Michael, Bobby & Brenda
Mexican Food with a Twist

Cousins Michael Lane and Bobby It was a desire to step away from the
Wade have been working together fast-paced “city life” of Atlanta that
successfully since they were in their pushed the cousins towards the beach.
teens. But as 16 year olds partnering They also had a plan to gear their
in a lawn care business, the pair could restaurant menus toward “Mexican
not have foreseen their eventual food with a twist.” Fresh ingredients,
success in the restaurant industry. traditional Mexican fare with some
American influences, Vegetarian
Now the owner-operators of Cactus offerings and plenty of Tequila and
Cantina Mexican Grill, the duo – along other libations are abundant on the
with Bobby’s mom/Michael’s aunt menu.
Brenda - boast four locations, three
of which are located in the Gulf Coast “The fishing, boating and a slower pace
area. from city life is what brought us here
originally,” said Bobby. “We absolutely
After discovering their knack for love meeting new people from all over
developing a successful business in a tourist town, as well as putting
partnership as teens, the cousins smiles on people’s faces with great
jumped into the insurance business food and a fun atmosphere.”
together. More than a decade later,
they decided it was time for another
career change.

“After 12 years in the insurance
industry, we wanted to diversify into
another field working with people,”
said Michael. “We like making people
happy.”

In April of 2011, they opened their first
Mexican restaurant in McDonough,
Georgia. The restaurant was a
smashing success so they decided to
open a second location on the Gulf
Coast in Gulf Shores, Alabama in
March of 2013. They then opened their
third location in Pensacola, Florida in
September of 2014. The most recent
addition to the Cactus Cantina “family”
is located in Orange Beach.

“We love the business and are in
growth mode right now. We want to
open 4-5 stores and start franchising.”

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ADVERTISE HERE

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Lane & Ginny Gilbert
Meet the owners of Villaggio Grill, Ginny Lane & Gilbey’s

Lane and Ginny have used their the restaurant business that revolves
combined 26 years of experience in around people. The people we work
the hospitality industry to develop three with and the people that eat with
of the finest restaurants in Orange us make coming to work every day
Beach, let alone the entire Alabama worthwhile. It is a great community.”
Gulf Coast.

They celebrate the succcess of their
remarkable “dream come true” along
with their two kids, Elia and Eli, 8 & 6
years old. Both Lane and Ginny know
exactly what keeps them excited about
their lives here.

“To raise our children in this beach
community, enjoy it, and contribute
to it. There is an amazing energy in

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Philip & Jill Harris
Owners of Nolan’s Steaks, Seafood & Music

As you step foot into the Gulf Shores the business, and if you are fortunate
staple known as Nolan’s, you are enough to show up on a night when
taken aback by the atmosphere of one of their granddaughters is
sophistication as the waitstaff walks performing, you can catch the forth
by in their proper uniform complete generation to come through Nolan’s.
with bow-ties. Then, the aroma of the Phillip and Jill have been helping
Gulf Coast’s finest hand-cut steaks Nolan’s serve up some of the finest
and freshest seafood makes your taste locally caught seafood and hand cut
buds dance. Lastly, as the thought steaks since 1987, when they moved to
“dance” enters into your head, you hear Gulf Shores to assist Phillip’s parents
that lively music from the back lounge, open the business.
and you know you are in for a truly
remarkable dining experience that only When they’re not ensuring an amazing
Nolan’s can offer. That’s just the way dining experience, you can find Jill
the owners, Phillip and Jill Harris, want perfecting her backhand on the tennis
to keep it, as their motto is “Exceeding court or Phillip catching red snapper
Guests Expectations”. Nolan’s is proud in the Gulf. They also enjoy cheering
to offer a casual fine dining atmosphere on the Crimson Tide football team
with live music every night for your every fall with their grandchildren and
entertainment. spending time with their growing family.

The restaurant is named after Phillip’s Next year, Nolan’s will be proud to
grandfather, who along with his celebrate 30 years of great service
grandmother, kept Sunday sacred and superior food with the tourists
while Phillip was growing up, as and residents of Gulf Shores, and it is
they partook in that great southern advised to bring two things with you
tradition of family meals after church. when you dine with them: an appetite
It was during these formidable years and your dancing shoes!
that the joys of feasting with friends
and being surrounded by loved ones
cemented a deep desire to share
the joyous experience of dining with
others through Nolan’s, and Phillip has
perfected the dining experience as he
took the traits learned.

Philip and Jill are now proud that they
are introducing the 4th Generation of
their family to the business. All three
of their children are participating in

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Bill McGinnes
The Gulf’s very own Papa Rocco

You would think that – for a local McGinnes has steadily built the
restaurant - “Warm Beer and Lousy “Papa Rocco’s” brand over three
Pizza” sounds like harsh criticism decades of change. “I’ve always
from an unhappy customer. Not in had a passion for it,” he says.
the case of Papa Rocco’s – Gulf
Shores’ landmark for over a quarter- McGinnes also boast a passion
century. for Corvettes and admits that
staying on top of a thriving
The slogan for the restaurant is a business that operates seven
tongue-in-cheek homage fitting of the days a week – and late into
character and ownership of the bar/ the night – leaves little time for
restaurant. anything else.

Owned and operated for the past 30 “I don’t have any hobbies,” claims
years by William “Papa” McGinnes, “Papa” – “Working is my hobby.”
Papa Rocco’s is a welcoming
establishment where on any given
night – you may find locals in shorts
and flip-flops, a wedding party
dressed to the “nines” and every type
of clientele in-between.

You may even find “Papa” himself
singing a tune with one of the local
bands or join with his wife Rose in
leading the crowd in a drinking toast
a time or two over the course of an
evening. “Satisfying and meeting
new people” is the part of his job he
enjoys most, and his short-term goal
is very simple: “Stay alive and keep
enhancing the business.”

Originally drawn to the Gulf Coast
by “the area and its opportunities”,

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Meet Eric Beech
Owner of Orange Beach’s Brick & Spoon

Nothing is frozen in this restaurant,” said he “loved.” Last year. Travel +
Beech said, and people appreciate Leisure magazine also named the
that. We crack every egg. We stuff Orange Beach location one of the
our French toast with cream cheese best restaurants in the U.S.
and mascarpone cheese and then
top it with fruit and compote. We “I love being part of something that
make every crab cake and our own makes people feel good,” Beech
hollandaise. said.

Favorites like the breakfast tacos, “I love seeing people in here who
a delicious combination of deep I know or going to a table where
fried wonton shell, scrambled eggs, someone tells me they just had a
chorizo and Monterey jack cheese; great meal. Even after so many
the banana fosters french toast; and years in the business that still gives
the homemade crab cakes benedict me chills. Honestly, it’s what drives
are just a taste. me to get up every morning and go
to work.”
“We just continue to get bigger and
bigger” Beech said. Brick & Spoon Orange Beach.
Allergic to boring breakfast.
‘“On the weekends its hard to find
a place to park. I’ve had to rent the
parking lot behind me so that my
employees have somewhere to put
their car, but that’s a good problem
to have.”

The restaurant has even brought
Chef Emeril Lagasse, who came in
for breakfast tacos, which Beech

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