In recent weeks, two previously iconic food and beverage locations have shut their doors. First was the Live Bait complex which closed after rebranding to Sharky's. Now it has been announced that Bubba's Seafood House, a beloved fixture in Orange Beach, Alabama, has permanently closed its doors following the recent sale of the property. Established in 1997, Bubba's quickly became a favorite among both locals and tourists for its fresh seafood and laid-back, coastal charm.

The Bubba' closure marks the end of an era for many along the Gulf Coast who grew up dining at the iconic red-roofed building, known for its “Eat Here!” motto and welcoming vibe.

In a heartfelt Facebook post shared by the Bubba's restaurant, the owners wrote:

“To all our valued guests, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of Bubba’s Seafood House in Orange Beach, AL, effective April 1, 2025. We thank you for your many years of support and delicious memories!”

Bubba sez “Thank you & farewell!”

Over the years, Bubba’s earned a loyal following, with generations of families making it a regular stop during vacations, weekend outings, and celebrations. Its closure has sparked an outpouring of memories and well-wishes from longtime patrons across social media.

As of now, no official details have been released regarding future plans for either property.

According to the City of Gulf Shores Visitor Profile, Each year, the 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast attracts nearly 8 million visitors, injecting more than $7.3 billion into our local economy.

The local restaurants have been challenged recently with staffing shortages, rising wages and ever expanding competition. Recent projections from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism show that 2025 may follow a similar pattern as 2024, where late bookings for summer vacations beat the prior occupancy forecast.