2015 marks our 77th year, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store!
Posted on December 31, 2014 to Photos
Posted by Wintzell’s Oyster House on December 31, 2014 at 12:33PM
Monthly Archives: December 2014
Flavor follows a sea-to-table story with our fresh catch of the day, traceable to the Gulf Coast dock where it came ashore! #gulfseafood #wintzells
Posted on December 29, 2014 to Photos
Posted by Wintzell’s Oyster House on December 29, 2014 at 04:59PM
Celebrating Gulf Coast Finfish
Posted on to News & Events
Our partnership with the Gulf Coast Seafood Marketing Coalition is in full swing, and we are pleased to offer fresh Gulf Coast finfish as our catch of the day. Prepared grilled, blackened, fried or broiled, this entrée is flavorful and direct from the dock. With our commitment to the Gulf Coast Seafood Traceability Standard, our guests can now scan a QR code right from their seat such that they can trace the route their seafood took from sea to table.
The nutrient-rich Gulf Coast waters provide an ideal environment for finfish to thrive. Gulf Coast finfish offer many health benefits, as they are generally low in saturated fat, high in protein and high in healthy omega-3 fats and minerals. The FDA recommends people eat up to 12 ounces (about two meals) of fish per week.
Wintzell’s Earns Coverage in Nation’s Restaurant News
Posted on to News & Events
Wintzell’s Oyster House was recently the subject of a feature written by Ron Ruggles of Nation’s Restaurant News, the leading publication within the foodservice industry. During a visit to Mobile in August, Ruggles dined at the original Wintzell’s on Dauphin Street. His article, “76-Year-Old Wintzell’s Oyster House Modernizes,” explores the brand’s use of social media as a means of remaining on trend in a digital world. “Part of staying youthful,” Ruggles writes, “has been Wintzell’s embrace of social media.” With a Facebook page for each Wintzell’s location as well as a Twitter page and Instagram page, Wintzell’s has developed an extensive following across all platforms. Ruggles’s article includes a photograph of Wintzell’s server Monique Scott, more commonly known as “Miss Pinky,” who has been with Wintzell’s for over ten years. Scott, a well-known fan favorite, recently received the “Oliver’s Wit & Wisdom Award” at the company’s annual holiday party and awards presentation.
Wintzell’s communications manager Clay Omainsky says the article was an exciting way to round out the year. “I woke up that morning with a Google Alert in my inbox and couldn’t believe it. We are humbled by any media coverage, but because Nation’s Restaurant News usually only covers the big players in the industry, it was a huge opportunity for us.”
In line with the article’s focus, news of its publication was shared via social media, reaching nearly 15,000 fans on Facebook. The December 12th post reads accordingly: “From a six-stool oyster bar in 1938 to a feature in Nation’s Restaurant News today, one thing will never change: heartened every day by your support, we absolutely love what we do!”
The article may be viewed online by clicking here.
Wintzell’s Opens in Greenville, Alabama
Posted on 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.
We are closing at 4 PM tonight for our annual end-of-the-year party and awards presentation. Who will take home this award and more? We can’t wait to let you know!
Posted on December 22, 2014 to Photos
Posted by Wintzell’s Oyster House on December 22, 2014 at 04:10PM
Oops. This post got lost amidst the excitement this morning: we are featured today in Nation’s Restaurant News! Check it out on their homepage, www.nrn.com.
Posted on December 12, 2014 to Photos
Posted by Wintzell’s Oyster House on December 12, 2014 at 05:10PM
It’s an event we look forward to every December: last night the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Champagne and Oysters reception honoring new and re-elected officials. A special thanks to the Chamber and to these hardworking leaders who serve our community; it was our pleasure to serve you! #latergram #oysters
Posted on December 9, 2014 to Photos
Posted by Wintzell’s Oyster House on December 09, 2014 at 12:16PM
The man who started it all would be 109-years-old today. Thank you, Oliver, for your entrepreneurship, civic involvement, and for delighting thousands of fans with your wit and wisdom!
Posted on December 6, 2014 to Photos
Posted by Wintzell’s Oyster House on December 05, 2014 at 06:48PM
