Along The Gulf Coast is a long slice of paradise, nestled away in downtown Orange Beach, AL we've found a special place that is sure to tempt your taste buds, tantalize your physical sensations, and put a pep in your step. We recently had the pleasure of meeting up with Marketing Director Steve Powers and Chef Mark Smith with Coast-AL Orange Beach. The owners of FLORA-BAMA (John McInnis & Cameron Price) have partnered with the City of Orange Beach to bring our locals and tourists alike into harmony, in what is now a beautiful and flourishing space. Coast-AL Orange Beach features a restaurant, bar, and retail space. Chef Mark Smith, who previously served as Head Chef for Jason Aldean, was both humble and candid as he talked about his passion for unique eats and southern soul food. While the restaurant will feature a variety of fresh seafood, he and his staff have gone to great lengths to ensure that even those with food allergies and sensitivities are able to enjoy this fine dining establishment. "We want everyone to be able to enjoy the food, fun, and environment here that the coast has to offer. There is something for everyone and we take seriously those with allergies. This is such a remarkable space and we'd never want someone to not be able to dine with us because we weren't prepared. We work with our staff to train them on how to address concerns and take safety precautions for customers just like this." Mark's passion for flavor and drive for superior food service shows in not only his beautiful and tasteful creations but among the faces that are sure to greet you as you walk into the venue space.
The bar, restaurant, and retail space features an immaculate "green space" that is as close to the water's edge as you can get. Built with the weather in mind, this sprawling space offers its patrons the opportunity to relax indoors or out. Steve Powers discussed with us the vision and plans for Coast-AL Orange Beach and what residents can expect.
The property, once slated for condo towers, changed when the City of Orange Beach and owners of FLORA-BAMA joined together and each purchased 400 feet of beachfront property. This became the first city-owned beach and will offer its city residents parking access. The restaurant and city will also have designated spaces for residents who wish to enjoy the combination space as well as parking for those visiting our area.
Built on 800 feet of prime beachfront property, Coast-AL Orange Beach phase 1 is now open daily at 11 am offering lunch, dinner, and bar service in addition to the retail shopping space. Phase 2 of the project will be completed by spring 2023 and will feature an additional 20,000 square feet of dining space totaling 1200 seats plus featuring a 40-foot-tall landmark tower that is tied to the property.
Coast-AL co-owners, John McInnis and Cameron Price had this to say, " The vision was to remove 600 more concrete condos at the main intersection of the city roads and provide an open-air space available to the public. We hope Alabama and The Gulf Coast are proud of it and it becomes a destination." - McInnis "I am most excited about the opportunity to bring people together to enjoy family, hang out with friends and meet new friends." - Price.
Coast-AL Orange Beach will offer live music 365 days per year, fresh locally sourced produce and seafood, healthy salads, and hearty dishes. It is located at the intersection of State Road 161 and Perdido Boulevard. For more information, you can visit them on the web at coastalorangebeach.com or check out their Facebook page.
We certainly loved our experience while visiting our friends there and are sure that you will too!
The vision was to remove 600 more concrete condos at the main intersection of the city roads and provide an open air space available to the public.