Posted on December 29, 2014 to News & Events
GREENVILLE, Ala., December 22, 2014 – Wintzell’s Inc. today announced the opening of its newest restaurant in Greenville, Alabama. The new Wintzell’s Oyster House is located at 128 Interstate Drive, the former site of the Timberland Log Homes building, across from the Interstate Plaza shopping center.
The project first took shape in December 2011, when Wintzell’s CEO Bob Donlon announced plans to open a Wintzell’s location in Greenville. After the widening of Interstate Drive to accommodate for additional parking and building space, the Greenville Downtown Redevelopment Authority contracted Rogers & Willard of Mobile, who in July began construction on the approximately 5,500 square-foot building.
Wintzell’s owners Bob and Buffy Donlon hosted an opening celebration on Tuesday, December 16th which benefitted Safe Harbor, a child advocacy center serving Butler, Crenshaw and Lowndes counties. The restaurant intends to be involved with community projects and events, according to the Donlons.
“We are very excited to open in Greenville and be a part of this community,” says Bob Donlon. “Since we began this venture three years ago, we have enjoyed spending time here, and it’s clear that Greenville is eager to share in our 76-year-old tradition of outstanding food and hospitality.”
Those anticipating the Wintzell’s opening have found company on social media channels—Facebook in particular—where fans have been active and supportive, according to Wintzell’s communications manager Clay Omainsky. Since the Greenville-specific Facebook page was created in January 2014, it has accrued more than 1,400 followers. “The page’s fans have been asking about the opening for months,” says Omainsky. “Construction often bears an uncertain timeline, but that response loses application when people are really, really excited about something.”
The opening date was announced in a December 4th Facebook post, seen by nearly 10,000 users, liked by over 200 and shared 62 times. “We wanted firstly to acknowledge the fans’ patience and also to thank them for it,” explains Omainsky. “The response was overwhelming. Engaging with this terrific group of fans tenders a highly encouraging outlook for this restaurant.” Omainsky added that the company would continue to utilize Facebook for announcements, contests and promotions.
The new restaurant seats approximately 150 guests, includes a private banquet room and features the thousands of homespun sayings that cover the walls of all Wintzell’s restaurants. While oysters headline the iconic Mobile-based brand, Wintzell’s menu comprises signature seafood dishes like bacon wrapped shrimp and redfish bienville; regional favorites, including award-winning seafood gumbo and homemade bread pudding; USDA-choice cut steaks; and two specialties native to Mobile: West Indies salad and fried crab claws. Greenville’s Wintzell’s will offer $7.99 lunch specials Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as well as happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. General hours of operation are from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The restaurant employs nearly 100 individuals, and while it is presently fully staffed, prospective job seekers can submit an application at any time by visiting the restaurant’s Careers page.
Founded in 1938 as a six-stool oyster bar, Wintzell’s delivers an atmosphere that is lively, casual, and unmistakably southern. The Greenville restaurant joins ten other Wintzell’s locations, with nine in Alabama and one in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania. The company is currently pursuing options to develop units in the Birmingham area, according to Donlon.
•
Posted on July 31, 2014 to News & Events
Among many things, we look forward to the Nappies every July, when the readers of Lagniappe choose their Mobile-area favorites. What began as a biweekly publication in July 2002, the Lagniappe has become Mobile’s independent weekly newspaper, served to more than 80,000 readers every week. The Lagniappe is locally owned and focuses on highly localized content for the citizens of Mobile and neighboring communities including Daphne, Fairhope and Gulf Shores.
Each summer the Lagniappe invites citizens to cast votes within categories that include Style, Services, Music, Arts, Media, and our personal favorite: Cuisine. With thousands of votes counted, Wintzell’s is thrilled to have won the 2014 Nappie for Best Gumbo. “This is a tough category,” writes Lagniappe cuisine editor Andy MacDonald. “Everyone thinks their gumbo is the best.”
MacDonald’s July 24th column “The Dish” gives special recognition to Wintzell’s: “Congratulations, Wintzell’s. You’ve honed it for many years.” Thanks, Andy, and kudos to the entire Lagniappe staff for keeping things funky, year after year!
And a very special thanks to our fans who voted and made this possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Our award-winning gumbo
•
Posted on July 30, 2014 to News & Events
How many jumbo fried shrimp can you eat in five minutes? Six competitors asked that of themselves as they geared up for what we hope will be an annual event: The Be Good for Something Shrimp Eating Competition. The event, hosted by the Downtown location on Saturday, July 26, drew dozens of spectators and supporters.
“Be Good for Something” plays off the name of our partner sponsor, Good People Brewing Company, the oldest brewery in Alabama. Founded in 2008, the Birmingham-based brewery offers five year-round brews and four seasonals. Wintzell’s paired with Good People to raise funds for the Mobile Law Enforcement Agency, which supports the police department as a dire need fund.
The fundraiser consisted of three parts. Beginning July 1st, fans were encouraged through social media to donate to their favored team. Throughout the month of July, Wintzell’s raised $700, beating out Good People. Then, on the 26th, Wintzell’s three-person team went head-to-head against Good People’s in a shrimp-eating showdown. Team Wintzell’s came up short here, eating 92 fried shrimp against Good People’s 108. In accordance with the rules, Wintzell’s made a $250 donation in Good People’s name. And finally, Wintzell’s extended proceeds from guests’ purchases that included either fried shrimp or Good People products.
All in all, Wintzell’s and Good People raised $2500 for Mobile’s police department—a triumph for a first-time fundraiser! You can check out Fox10’s coverage of the event by clicking here.
Competitors from Wintzell’s, the Mobile Police Department, and Good People Brewing Company
•
Posted on May 8, 2014 to News & Events
From March 5th until April 2nd, all Wintzell’s restaurant locations campaigned to raise money for MDA, an organization committed to combating muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy occurs when a group of genetic muscle diseases are characterized by the degeneration of voluntary muscles.
In its efforts, MDA offers clinics, summer camp, online and local support, equipment help, and advocacy through the agency’s 120 offices in the United States and Puerto Rico. Fundraiser dollars can provide flu shots, support group sessions, and different types of therapy to young people with muscular muscular dystrophy.
Wintzell’s set a company-wide goal of raising a $5,000 total donation to be presented to MDA at the end of fundraising. Each different restaurant “sponsored” a child in order to send them to Camp ASCCA, a camp dedicated to children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Throughout fundraising, all restaurants sold one and five dollar shamrocks to guests and fellow employees. In order to increase donations, a few locations went above and beyond the call of duty. Wintzell’s West Mobile hosted an on-site car wash that helped them rise above the competition and raise the most money out of all of our stores. Taking the second place position, our Fairhope location took advantage of the restaurant’s 10th anniversary party to boost donation numbers. (both events pictured below)
Not only did Wintzell’s reach our goal of raising $5,000, but we soared past it! On Friday, May 2, 2014 a check totaling $5,398.30 was presented by the winning West Mobile team to MDA. (pictured below)
Everyone at Wintzell’s cannot wait for another opportunity to raise money for such worthy cause!
MDA Internal Restaurant Contest Results:
1st place – Wintzell’s West Mobile – $1,569.00
2nd place – Wintzell’s Fairhope – $1,435.30
3rd place – Wintzell’s Saraland – $1,155.00
•
Posted on April 30, 2014 to News & Events
On Thursday, April 25, 2014 it was all hands on deck, as the dining room of our Orange Beach location was transformed from a chow hall into a temporary photography studio.
Wintzell’s is honored to be chosen by the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau to be featured in advertisements for the area. The ad campaign will feature restaurants, hotels and attractions throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and will showcase a few of each location’s signature item.
What were the items we selected to feature for the campaign? Oysters of course! For nearly three hours, renowned photographer Courtland Richards captured abundant photos of our oyster sampler and raw oysters. Wintzell’s will be able to choose shots from the photo shoot to use in our own marketing and advertisement.
Courtland Richards has specialized in photographing food, architecture, and people on the Gulf Coast for over thirty years. His accomplishments include being published regularly in Southern Breeze, Zalea, and Southern Living. Because of the beautiful images Courtland captures and the unmatched professionalism he exudes, everyone at Wintzell’s felt extremely privileged to finally be able to work with him.
Just to give you a “taste” and behind the scenes perspective, these photos were taken by our Wintzell’s team. The pictures Courtland took are in the process of being edited and we look forward to being able to post the professional ones once we have the go ahead from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. This process could take some time, but we know that the photographs will be well worth the wait!
Special thanks to Courtland Richards and the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau!
To learn more about Courtland Richards Photography, you can visit www.courtlandrichards.com
•
Posted on April 9, 2014 to News & Events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mobile, Ala. (April 9, 2014) ̶ Wintzell’s Oyster House is proud to present its 8th annual Wintzell’s Golf Classic, held at Lakewood Golf Club at The Grand Hotel on Friday, June 20, 2014. The event, benefitting Distinguished Young Women, begins at 7:15 a.m. with registration and breakfast in the company of the 50 Distinguished Young Women state finalists. An 8:30 a.m. shotgun start will begin the tournament, followed by an awards lunch at Wintzell’s Oyster House in Fairhope. Prizes will be awarded for longest drive and closest to the hole.
DYW Finalists and the Participants from the 2013 Golf Classic
The Wintzell’s Golf Classic was founded in 2007 by Wintzell’s owners Bob and Buffy Donlon to benefit Distinguished Young Women (formerly known as America’s Junior Miss). Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Mobile, Ala., Distinguished Young Women will award more than $150,000 in cash scholarships to high school women and, last year, the Wintzell’s Golf Classic donated more than $25,000 to the scholarship program.
Individual player, team and corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information on the 8th annual Wintzell’s Golf Classic, please visit www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com or email golf@wintzellsoysterhouse.com.
Contact:
Scootie Dabbs
Tournament Organizer for Wintzell’s Oyster House
golf@wintzellsoysterhouse.com
P: 251.406.2860 │F: 251.438.4776
•
Posted on March 19, 2014 to News & Events
On Monday, March 24, Wintzell’s Oyster House will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Fairhope location, situated at 805 South Mobile Street. The Fairhope Wintzell’s locale will begin the festivities with a happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m., and will offer 10 cent raw oysters, 10 cent Bud Light draft beers, and steaming dishes of 10 cent bread pudding – Wintzell’s famed signature dessert.
In addition, live music will play on the outdoor back deck of the restaurant, nostalgically positioned under Fairhope’s recently recognized “largest oak tree,” likely to be more than 150 years old.
Wintzell’s Fairhope at 805 S. Mobile St
The Fairhope location was Wintzell’s third store amid the oyster house’s ongoing expansion, and the initial renovation of the building kept the exterior walls and the surrounding oak trees intact. In preparation for its 10th anniversary celebration, the restaurant has updated the once six-seat oyster bar seating to include a full wrap-around area, inviting all hungry goers to grab a brew and partake in watching the oyster shucking activity going on behind the scenes.
Wintzell’s Oyster House is most known for its oysters, which are – as the tagline clearly states – fried, stewed, or nude. Specific oyster platters include one of the most popular, the Oyster Sampler, which includes all of the favorites like the Monterey, Bienville, Rockefeller, and famous grilled oysters, amounting to 16 oysters served up piping hot on a cast iron platter. The Rockefeller oyster is a traditional half-shell that’s topped with butter, parsley, and spinach; the Monterey is topped with jalapenos, bacon, and cheddar; and the Bienville is smothered with lumps of fresh crabmeat, shrimp, and Parmesan sauce.
“The Fairhope community has supported us for more than 10 years, and we’re giving back – by feeding y’all. Stop by and bring your friends, and come early to grab a seat!” says Bryan Injain, General Manager.
For more information about the Fairhope anniversary celebration, or to see a more expansive menu, visit our Fairhope location page.
•
Posted on March 7, 2014 to News & Events
What started as an idea several years ago has turned into a reunion at the beach. Filmmaker Tim Card worked with Athletic Director Mal Moore to conceive a documentary featuring the men who popularized the Wishbone Offense of the 1970’s. After Mr. Moore’s passing, the project stalled.
With the help of Buffy Donlon, owner of Wintzell’s Oyster House, the documentary has new life. Mrs. Donlon suggested bringing the players, coaches, trainers, writers and all those involved in those years, together to reminisce and provide an opportunity for Mr. Card to capture them on film.
The Wishbone Boys Reunion is a celebration of a place in time – the Wishbone Team Era at The University of Alabama. “The Wishbone Boys” documentary will tell the exciting story of the 1970’s Alabama teams through interviews with players, coaches, sportswriters, historians and other experts. The Wishbone formation is intricate, requiring exceptional decision making under pressure and intense concentration.
Additionally, Mrs. Donlon and Mr. Card wanted fans to be able to experience these legendary players. The Wishbone Boys Fan Experience will take place on Saturday, March 15th 2:00pm to 6:00pm at the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar. Featuring three bands and activities for families, the Fan Experience is sponsored by Bellator Real Estate and all proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project. The Fan Experience is a free event and open to the public.
Fans of all ages are invited to attend the Fan Experience day and can learn more by visiting www.wishboneboys.com.
•
Posted on February 27, 2014 to News & Events
If you can’t make it to Mobile, home of the original Mardi Gras and original Wintzell’s, you can visit any one of our locations for a taste of Mardi Gras, Wintzell’s-style.
Our location in Montgomery will be host to the first street party celebration for the Montgomery area. Click here to read all about the Gump’n Good Times.
Our Orange Beach location will be host to the start of the Orange Beach parades on Friday, Saturday and Mardi Gras Day. For more details, click here.
Fairhope has many parades as well, check out their schedule here.
Even, Huntsville is getting in on the party with a run, parade and big party.
And, of course, the king of them all will be in downtown Mobile. Come join us for a Dragon Drink, dozen raw oysters and a beer or two! The schedule is packed with parades Mardi Gras weekend, check out this link to read all about the Original Mardi Gras.
So, whether you see us Downtown Mobile, Downtown Montgomery, Huntsville, Orange Beach or Fairhope, we hope you have a safe and festive Mardi Gras season!
•
