Gulf Shores, Ala. – On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber presented Stephen Shillito, an Original Oyster House server since 2005, the Island Spirit Award. The award is given monthly by the Chamber, recognizing individuals who display warmth, hospitality and concern for the community and tourists.
The Island Spirit committee members showered Shillito with several gifts including balloons, an Island Spirit pin, a monetary prize sponsored by Beach Properties, his own keepsake plaque, plus the large Island Spirit Plaque displayed in the restaurant for a month. His nomination explained why Shillito is unforgettable and one of a kind. A five-star reviewer wrote “I recently had the pleasure of dining at a restaurant where Stephen, an exceptional server, made our experience truly memorable. With his infectious sense of humor and attentive service, he created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for my family and me. Stephen’s enthusiasm and knowledge added an extra layer of enjoyment to the already delicious meal. I highly recommend requesting Stephen as your server for an unforgettable dining experience filled with laughter, excellent service, and mouthwatering delights.” Another five-star Tripadvisor reviewer wrote “Ask for Stephen; he’s a fantastic server! He knew we were from Indiana and took great care of us! We witnessed him responding to a group of older men seated by us. One man who was diabetic and was having a moment. Without missing a beat, Stephen sprinted to get water, bread and orange juice. Within minutes the man recovered. Stephen did this with diplomacy, not drawing any attention to the man.”
Shillito, an active environmentalist, volunteered for ECO Clean Marine and helped videotape the Alabama Coastal Foundation press conference in November of 2023.
The Original Oyster House has become the “must-go-to” place for great fresh Gulf seafood, service and panoramic waterfront sunsets. A top-spot for hand-shucked and fire-grilled oysters, the Original Oyster House has also become legendary for its homemade gumbo, cheesy grits with blackened shrimp, as well as handcrafted desserts including its famous Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pie. In 2016, the Original Oyster House became the first restaurant in the state of Alabama to recycle oyster shells through the Alabama Coastal Foundation. As of Aug. 2024, an estimated 24 million oyster shells have been recovered. The Original Oyster House also supports the sustainability of oysters and is one of the only restaurants to [oyster garden], grow stocker oysters to refurbish the reef.
The Original Oyster House (OOH) has two locations: 3733 Battleship Parkway on the Mobile Causeway and 701 Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores. Both locations offer spectacular waterfront views and have been celebrated as the area’s finest family restaurants for the past 40 years. For more information about the Original Oyster House, please visit www.originaloysterhouse.com or call 251-928-2620.
Pictured from left are the Island Spirit committee: Kimberly Ray, Samantha Fender, Steve Jones, Marie Parrish, Stephen and Molly Cooley. Each month, committee members review nominations and select winners.
