The Blind Tiger Finally Opens: Is the Fairhope Pier Location Cursed or Blessed?

The Blind Tiger Finally Opens: Is the Fairhope Pier Location Cursed or Blessed?

About six months ago, I met someone on a dating app who invited me for a spontaneous afternoon walk on the Fairhope Pier. It was one of those perfect afternoons where we chatted effortlessly, getting to know one another while soaking in the lovely surroundings. As we strolled down the pier and past the remains of the old restaurant, we couldn’t help but notice the active construction of the proclaimed soon-to-be coming Blind Tiger Restaurant. The  signs plastered on the windows hinted at what was to come, and we daydreamed about returning for a date there once it opened. The restaurant had been in the works for about a year and a half, and we were hopeful that it would open soon, giving us the perfect excuse to return to the site.

Well, as fate would have it, the opening of The Blind Tiger outlasted our relationship. After months of delays and much speculation, the restaurant finally served its first food and drinks to the public yesterday. The gentleman I met back then joked that our relationship had been doomed by the delays of the restaurant, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony. But it got me thinking—was this spot on the Fairhope Pier really cursed, or is there more to the story?

I decided to dig a little deeper and discovered that the location on Fairhope Pier is far from doomed. In fact, it has a rich history of success. For 41 years, the spot was home to The Yardarm, a beloved restaurant that thrived from the 1970s until the owner’s retirement. The Yardarm was a staple in Fairhope, offering great food, stunning views, and a warm atmosphere that locals cherished.

According to web sources, after The Yardarm, the location was purchased by Rick Gambino, the owner of Gambino’s, who saw the potential in this prime waterfront spot. Gambino opened Shux on the Pier, a seafood-focused restaurant with plans to introduce sunset pontoon cruises and a shuttle service for locals. However, the shuttle service sparked controversy among local walkers, who felt it was disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of the pier and went against town ordinances. Gambino, in response, threatened to close the restaurant if he couldn’t keep the shuttle, which added an unexpected layer of drama to the pier’s history.

Despite the controversy, Gambino rebranded the restaurant as The Pier Bar and Grill, hoping to capture the magic of the location with a new identity. The restaurant continued to serve the community with an all-new menu, including breakfast options, and remained under the Gambino family’s ownership thanks to their long-term lease with the city. However, like many businesses, The Pier Bar and Grill struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually shut down, never reopening its doors.

Now, with The Blind Tiger opening as the fourth restaurant to occupy this iconic spot, there’s a renewed sense of excitement. The location itself is a gem, with breathtaking views of Mobile Bay, the tranquil fountain, and the area's coastal charm. It’s a place that naturally draws people in and holds the potential to become a beloved community staple once again.

So, is the spot on the Fairhope Pier cursed or blessed? I’d argue that it’s the latter. The Blind Tiger’s long-awaited opening may have been plagued by delays, but its location is steeped in a history of success and fond memories. With its 20 boat slips and golf cart-friendly setup, The Blind Tiger has the potential to become the next beloved restaurant at this iconic Fairhope spot. Only time will tell, but if history is any indication, The Blind Tiger is in good company and poised for success.

As for me, I can’t wait to head down to the pier and finally try out The Blind Tiger—this time, with the promise of good food, great views, and perhaps a new beginning for this storied location.