Alan Laird, the owner of AJ’s continues with his building spree. It started about two years ago after the fire upstairs at AJ’s in Destin. He was forced to rebuild the entire upper section. Then he bought the old Mangoes on the Bayou with Cash Moore. They put in a Cash’s liquor store in the front and a completely remodeled AJ’s on the Bayou in the back on the water. Next he bought the old Fud’s on the island. It is now a remolded AJ’s Oyster Shanty. Then the Pandora’s in Grayton Beach is now AJ’s at Grayton Beach. This has recently opened after another complete remodel. And last but not least they have done a complete remodel of the lower level at the original AJ’s in Destin.
Sunshine Cindy, Wayne and I went there on Sunday. The bar is now open to the outside as well as the inside. The entrance is new as well as they got rid of the old bleachers that faced the fishing rodeo stage. They have done a great job with all the work they have done.
AJ’s is one of the top 50 clubs in the entire country. This work is going to ensure they stay in the top 50. And with the other locations Alan is building an AJ’s empire now. All of the places are well run and have a fun vibe to them. The upstairs at AJ’s on Sunday was packed for Jones and Company. The outside with the giant screen TV had a big crowd too and we could see a lot of folks eating in the new section. Check out all the changes at AJ’s.
While we were on the harbor on Sunday we first stopped at Tailfins. Old friend Dominick was working the bar. We heard he was there but this was the first time we had seen him. It was great catching up with him. Sunshine Cindy and I split a Grouper sandwich and I had a cup of red beans and rice. It was all excellent. When you add the view it was a great way to spend part of afternoon.
After Wayne joined us, we walked down to Crab Island Cantina to catch some of BT’s afternoon show. Bobby was behind the bar. A good size crowd was there. Spring Breakers were all around. We briefly saw Carlos. He was leaving saying he had to catch a dinghy. The small dinghy was about a 60 foot yacht. It backed up enough so he could jump on board. I don’t know who’s boat it was or where they were going but it looked like a lot of fun!
Being at the Cantina and not seeing Alan and Jackie was strange. They left to head back to Illinois on Saturday. We didn’t get a chance to see them before they left with us being out of town the previous weekend. I hope they have a safe trip and we will see them again in a few months.
Back down on the harbor the old Hooks is going to be called “The Big Red Grill.” It is owned by the same folks that have The Big Red Truck. No date was given when it will open.
Spring Break is still in full swing. This week we have most of Atlanta here…or at least the ones that could fight the traffic to get out of town after the fire and bridge collapse on I-85 in the city. I went to Publix Sunday morning for a few things. It is always easy to get in and out on Sunday but not this week. The place was packed at 10 am. Most of the carts were gone, shelves were empty, people with overflowing carts were everywhere. It was a zoo. I can only imagine what Wal Mart was like.
Over the weekend a Spring Breaker from Kentucky was bit by a shark. She was way out on the second sandbar even though red flags were flying. She is lucky she was able to get back to shore. Shark attacks are very rare here in Destin. But when it does happen it becomes big news. I think it has been 10 years or so since the last attack we had. Jaw’s may be swimming in our waters but he tends to keep to himself.
The weather in Destin this weekend was perfect. Saturday Sunshine Cindy and I did some work in the yard. She replanted things and I drank beer watching her. LOL Actually I helped and the place really looks good now. It is ready for summer. In the later afternoon I went to Landshark Pizza to get us a pizza. We sat outside with Chaos enjoying the evening, munching on pizza and resting our sore muscles.
Around town the new tee shirt shop going up next to Club Destin is starting to take shape as the steel frame is going up. The rest of the building should go quickly. I also saw where a scooter rental has popped up on Hwy 98 in the empty lot next to Joe’s Crab Shack. Riding a scooter on 98 is taking your life in your hands.
We are about a month and a half from the Emerald Coast Parrot Heads, “Tailgates Down…Phriends All Around” all day music festival. It will be Saturday May 20th at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin starting at 10 am with a tailgate party and then music on the big stage from noon to 6 pm. Tickets are only $25 per person. You can get information and your tickets on-line here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tailgates-downphriends-all-around-tickets-32568153223?aff=es2
Or come to any ECPHC event as tickets will be available at them.
Have a great week. See ya next Monday!
Destin Steve
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