Lucy Buffett, owner of LuLu’s Gulf Shores, plans to open her next restaurant in Destin. The Gulf Shores, Alabama landmark restaurant, Lucy affectionately calls the “Mother Ship,” is a 15,000-square foot dining destination currently serving more than 4,000 guests a day during the peak summer tourist season.
“We’re going to spread the gumbo love,” she says, with plans to cross the state line opening LuLu’s Destin in the summer of 2015. Destin, one of the top emerging tourist destinations in the United States, was an obvious choice for Buffett.
“My family spent lots of time on the Florida Panhandle and it feels like an extension of home to me. Destin has always been a part of my vision for a second LuLu’s. Our new location is ideal for what we do. There’s a bridge for good luck and beautiful water views,” claims Buffett, referring to the fact that all of her restaurants have been by a bridge. “All it needs is some great food and fun. I’m committed to providing an excellent and authentic Gulf Coast experience for all of my guests. That has always been one of the keys to our success.”
The original LuLu’s, a small water-front dive, opened on Weeks Bay in Fairhope, Alabama in the late ‘90’s. In 2003, it was time for a change so in her typical Crazy Sista style, Buffett picked up the party and moved on — literally loading the restaurant and crew onto a barge for a storied cruise to her now famous location on the Intracoastal Canal in Gulf Shores.
Creative chef, business woman, author and story teller, Buffett is more than a sibling of famous troubadour Jimmy; just as her business, LuLu’s, is more than a restaurant. Her love for living the “good life” has led to loyal followers of her LuLu’s and Crazy Sista brands, which include clothing, cookbooks, Bloody Mary mix, dried seasonings, hot sauces and the new Crazy Sista Honey Ale, all in high demand.
Buffett will be opening the Destin location within the Legendary Marine complex, at the base of the Mid-Bay Bridge. Like her Gulf Shores landmark, the restaurant will feature a family-pleasing complex with sandy “beach” areas, great views and a winning combination of locally sourced food and live music.
“We know that the LuLu’s model, with its fun coastal charm and a spirited atmosphere, is a perfect fit for Destin locals and visitors alike,” says Peter Bos, developer.
In Alabama, LuLu’s has an annual economic impact in excess of $20 million dollars along with its high-profile community involvement and philanthropy. Buffett intends to have the same impact in Destin beginning with the creation of over 200 jobs, along with the intention of the same active community participation and support.
“I’m looking forward to being a good neighbor with the locals in Destin. I’ve always believed in taking care of the folks who take care of LuLu’s.” Buffett says.
For further information contact Gabrielle Barnett at 251-968-7453 or visit LuLu’s Facebook page, and website at www.lulubuffett.com.
A Q&A with LuLu:
Q: What are you most excited about your new Destin Location?
Lucy Buffett: I’m most excited about taking the incredible LuLu’s experience that we have created in Gulf Shores and doing the same thing in Destin … literally spreading the gumbo love. This new location means growth for the LuLu’s organization, advancement for some of our staff and new employment opportunities for others on the Emerald Coast. Destin has always been my first choice for a second LuLu’s, not just because it is one of the top emerging tourist destinations in the country, but because the Panhandle is an extension of home for me.
Q. What is unique about this particular location in Destin?
Lucy Buffett: It’s the ideal location for what we do and I adore it for several reasons including the fact that there is a bridge. That was a good omen because all of my restaurants have been by a bridge with a beautiful water view. The Destin location has this incredible view of the Choctawhatchee Bay and 90 percent of all the traffic to Destin comes across that bridge. That is great exposure for us. Also, this location is off the beaten path, which has always worked for LuLu’s. There will be plenty of parking and room for expansion.
Q. Can you describe the LuLu’s experience?
Lucy Buffett: It’s all about escapism. There are so many different elements that go into the experience — the fabulous food, great service, family friendly environment, fun shopping, a beach for the kids, live entertainment and waterfront ambience — all in a facility designed to give a taste of the authentic Gulf Coast lifestyle. Our job is to make it look really easy and to give our customer permission to take a break from life for a while. Bottom line — it’s all about food, fun, and family.
Q. How will you cater to families?
Lucy Buffett: The same way we do now. LuLu’s is more than just high chairs and a kids’ menu. We have created a place for kids to move around, play and be creative. Mom and Dad can sit back and relax while the kids play in the sand or climb on the rope course. And everyone gets a great meal to boot. Folks return year after year to their “annual” gathering at LuLu’s. It’s a place where they are creating their own family memories.
Q. I understand you have a special allergy menu. Can you explain?
Lucy Buffett: We wanted to be proactive in addressing our customers’ needs and saw a definite demand for an allergy-free program. We decided to not only offer a Gluten-Free option but to offer various allergy-free menus that are executed with a strict protocol to ensure that there is no cross contamination. It has taken some time and hard work but we know it is worth it by the great feedback and appreciation we’ve gotten from our customers. Some families plan their vacations around allergy-free restaurants and I’m proud to know we can help in some way.
Q. What economic impact does LuLu’s bring to Destin?
Lucy Buffett: We employ nearly 300 people during our peak season so we’re excited about creating jobs for the Destin market. The original plan for LuLu’s was to create a place where I would want to work. I’ve had some great jobs and some terrible jobs. Without my crew, I’m just a woman with an idea. It was imperative to me to create a supportive environment for my workers with benefits while we all together created a wonderful experience for our customers. I’m always working for the win-win in all things and it was and still is an utmost priority to create and maintain an atmosphere where people loved where they work. I credit much of our incredible success to a highly effective management team that oversees a massive facility and operation. We may look all easy breezy in our execution but we are operating from a highly professional operations playbook. I anticipate the same success for Destin as we take the same model there.
Q. How will you connect with the local community?
Lucy Buffett: My motto has always been, “Work hard, play hard, and pay it forward.” Philanthropy is critical for my own peace of mind and heart. So many people have helped me along the way, especially in my early life. I’m committed to putting back into the community and I give where my heart moves me. I’m passionate about education, children, animals and the environment. My intention is to continue the type of program and events we have in Alabama and help spread some of the LuLu Love on the Emerald Coast.
Q. Do you expect Jimmy at the new place?
Lucy Buffett: You never know when Jimmy will stop by. I’m sure we’ll see him pop in for lunch some time because he a big fan of my gumbo!
Q. What’s some of your favorite menu items?
Lucy Buffett: There are so many great items but if I have to choose my favorite, I say it is the Crab Nachos. Mahi Fish Tacos come in at a close second and we are famous for our Seafood Gumbo. But then again, I can’t get enough of our burger and to make it even more difficult we created a new signature burger with a fried green tomato, pimento cheese, and bacon, dressed with our WOW! sauce. It is incredible. So it’s pretty hard to make a choice. As a child of the Gulf Coast, I’m all about bringing the same classic dishes that I first experienced on my grandmothers’ tables. It doesn’t get much more real or authentic than that!
Q. What can you tell us about Lucy Buffett?
Lucy Buffett: For those who don’t know, LuLu is actually a childhood nickname given to me by my brother and sister and it’s still what they call me today. I was the “crazy sista” in the family and I’ve been creating new chapters of my life ever since. As Julia Child would say, “Above all, have a good time.” That’s what it’s all about. Not in a frivolous way but in a meaningful and thoughtful way. I inherited a middle class work ethic from my parents but I’m a baby boomer with a very free spirit and rebellious nature. I believe in working hard and enjoying life. I’m an optimist but when something isn’t working, I will make a change in a heartbeat. And I always, always leave an open window for the unexpected. My greatest successes have come as a result of being able to recognize an unexpected opportunity that suddenly just appears. I’m a risk taker and when something doesn’t work, I find a grace or a lesson in the situation. I think there is Aalways a place where I can improve both personally and professionally and I hold LuLu’s and my management to those same intentions. Most importantly, I’m a stickler about respect. It’s paramount in business that you have self respect first – and I’m not talking about egoist self-absorption. Then, you must have a deep respect for both your co-workers and your customers.