Author Archives: AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar

AJ’s Annual Free Thanksgiving Day Feast on the Emerald Coast

There is absolutely no charge, but donations will be accepted from those who wish to contribute to the Kids on the Coast Foundation

DESTIN, Fla., Nov. 22, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — For the ninth consecutive year, AJ’s on the Bayou is excited to invite everyone to its free Thanksgiving Day meal, served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The beloved waterfront restaurant aims to surpass last year’s turnout of nearly 1,000 meals, extending a warm invitation to all in the community.

Image caption: AJ’s Annual Free Thanksgiving Day Feast on the Emerald Coast.

“We open up our doors to everyone to ensure that no one is alone or hungry on this holiday,” shares Keith Waters, Director of Operations for AJ’s. This year’s Thanksgiving feast will feature a delightful spread of time-honored classics, including turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, green bean casserole, and an assortment of delicious pies, all complemented by refreshing iced tea.

In addition to the main location in Fort Walton Beach, AJ’s sister store in Grayton Beach will also participate for the fourth year in a row. Waters emphasizes, “This is a community outreach to give back to a community that blesses us all year. Everyone is welcome to dine as part of the AJ’s family. There is absolutely no charge; donations will be accepted from those capable of making them, with all proceeds benefitting the Kids on the Coast Foundation.”

Kids on the Coast Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local youth in Okaloosa and Walton County. This year, donations will specifically focus on aiding high school students to ensure they have a joyful Christmas. Dan Collins, a spokesperson for Kids on the Coast, explains, “We always hear about donating toys and bikes, but the older teens in high school often get forgotten. We know there are many needs that need to be filled.”

Alan Laird, owner of AJ’s, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “We want to give back to those who may not have the means to celebrate Thanksgiving. This is our way of thanking the community that supports us and our families every day. We expect this Thanksgiving feast to be bigger than ever, especially after such a tough year for everyone.”

Both AJ’s on the Bayou and AJ’s Grayton Beach will provide entertainment for diners throughout the meal, with AJ’s Grayton Beach also hosting their Annual Thanksgiving Karaoke Party for all ages at 5 p.m.

For more information about the Thanksgiving Day meal or to get involved with the Kids on the Coast Foundation, please contact Rachael Green in the Special Events and Promotions department at info@ajs-destin.com.

To learn more about AJ’s on the Bayou and AJ’s Grayton Beach, visit their websites at ajsgrayton.com and ajsonthebayou.com.

Learn more here:

AJ’s on the Bayou: https://ajsonthebayou.com/

AJ’s Grayton Beach: https://ajsgrayton.com/

NEWS SOURCE: AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/ajs-annual-free-thanksgiving-day-feast-on-the-emerald-coast/

AJ’s Grayton Beach Hosts Fourth Annual S’mores with Santa

GRAYTON BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mr. Claus comes early this year at AJ's Grayton Beach Fourth Annual "S'mores with Santa" event. This free family activity is set to kick off on Wednesday, November 24 from 4 p.m. till 7 p.m. and is the ideal way to get into the holiday spirit.

Kids will have the opportunity to roast marshmallows and melt some s'mores by the campfire while sipping on hot chocolate, eating cookies and, of course, visiting with Santa. And, while they wait to see the jolly man in red, they can write letters to him to make sure he knows they've made the nice, and not the naughty list.

Meanwhile, parents can enjoy dinner, listen to live holiday music by Jones & Company and sample some festive drink specials. It's an evening that memories are made of, so people should make sure to bring their cameras to capture those special holiday pics.

"Each year, we get excited about 'S'mores with Santa,'" Alan Laird, AJ's owner says. "It's a great way for families to spend time together and it's so much fun to watch the kids when they meet Santa."

About AJ's Grayton Beach

Located off Scenic Highway 30A, AJ's Grayton Beach is the newest location in the AJ's family. Formerly Pandora's, AJ's transformed this location into a cool, coastal cabana with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, three bars, two stages and a dining area, complement the lush outdoor patio and firepit. It's also been voted one of 30A's Hottest Spots for Live Music.

For more information: visit https://ajsgrayton.com/ or contact their Special Events and Promotions department: Rachael Green at info@ajs-destin.com or 850-259-2057.

Follow events on social at: https://www.facebook.com/AJsGraytonBeach

Mr. Claus comes early this year at AJ's Grayton Beach Fourth Annual "S'mores with Santa" event. This free family activity is set to kick off on Wednesday, November 24 from 4 p.m. till 7 p.m. and is the ideal way to get into the holiday spirit.

Related link: https://ajsdestin.com/

AJ’s Feeds the Community this Thanksgiving 2021

DESTIN, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- For the sixth year, AJ's on the Bayou, will host a free Thanksgiving Day meal from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. Last year, the waterfront restaurant served close to 1,000 meals. "We open up our doors to everyone, to ensure that no one is alone or hungry for the holiday," says Keith Waters, Director of Operations for AJ's.

AJ's Thanksgiving feast will feature time-honored classics such as turkey, ham, stuffing, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, garden salad, dinner rolls, and assortment of pies.

"We have expanded our outreach to include our sister store in Grayton Beach, this will be their second year," adds Waters. "We are open to everyone, and invite the community to join our AJ's family on this day, to give thanks. While there is absolutely no charge, donations will be accepted from those capable of making them."

Alan Laird, the Owner of AJ's says, "We want to give back to those that may not have the means to celebrate Thanksgiving. We also want to provide a gathering place for those who don't have anyone with which to share the holiday meal or for those who simply want to celebrate with their neighbors. This is our way to thank the community that provides for us and our families, each and every day."

Reservations are not accepted, and diners will be served on a first come basis. AJ's Grayton Beach will open their doors from 12 p.m. till 5 p.m. to serve Thanksgiving dinner, then join us for family Karaoke starting at 6 p.m.

All donations received from both Thanksgiving feast will benefit Kids on the Coast Foundation. Donations will be used to assist local high school youth this upcoming holiday season. Kids on the Coast is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports various charities that provide assistance and give support to local children and youth.

For more information, please contact our Special Events and Promotions department: Rachael Green at info@ajs-destin.com or 850-259-2057.

LEARN MORE AT: https://ajsgrayton.com/ and https://www.ajsonthebayou.com/

For the sixth year, AJ's on the Bayou, will host a free Thanksgiving Day meal from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. Last year, the waterfront restaurant served close to 1,000 meals. "We open up our doors to everyone, to ensure that no one is alone or hungry for the holiday," says Keith Waters, Director of Operations for AJ's.

Related link: https://ajsdestin.com/

AJ’s on the Bayou to Host Free Firework Show at Stars and Stripes Celebration

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The folks at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar know that there's no better way to kick off the summer than with a live firework show along Florida's Emerald Coast. That's why it's excited to host a free firework show at AJ's on the Bayou, one of its four popular locations. The Stars and Stripes Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 3 at 9 p.m. and Black-Eyed Blonde will perform live music starting at 6 p.m.

Located at the base of the Cinco Bayou Bridge in Fort Walton Beach, AJ's on the Bayou is in a beautiful setting offering indoor as well as outdoor seating and dining on an open-air deck overlooking the Cinco Bayou.

During this special celebration, AJ's will also have walk-up dining options where people can grab a BBQ Plate which includes one of its delicious BBQ pork sandwiches served with fries, coleslaw and baked beans for $15. There's a kids special too - a hot dog and fries for $6.

A tent will be set up on site for people to visit to register for free giveaways. Get a flag, souvenir cup or "cool" treats for kids. Activities will include face painting, stilt walkers and more.

The address is: 200 NE Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, 32548.

Call for information: 850-226-7579 or visit: http://ajsonthebayou.com

About AJ's on the Bayou

Since 1984, AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar has been serving cold Gulf Coast oysters and cool libations. What began as a popular local hang out known for fresh oysters and cold beer has grown into one of the most iconic "hot spots" on Florida's Destin Harbor. From its humble beginning shucking oysters off the deck behind a small trailer on the Destin Harbor, its proud to have grown to four locations along Florida's Emerald Coast.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/122960259879420?ref=newsfeed

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachael Green
Public Relations Director for AJ's on the Bayou
+1-850-259-2057
info@ajs-destin.com

The folks at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar know that there's no better way to kick off the summer than with a live firework show along Florida's Emerald Coast. That's why it's excited to host a free firework show at AJ's on the Bayou, one of its four popular locations.

Related link: https://ajsdestin.com/

Owner of AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar Ranked as one of the Country’s Most Influential Restaurant Executives

DESTIN, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- In 2020, readers of "Nation's Restaurant News" had a chance to weigh in on who they considered leaders in the restaurant industry. The people have spoken and Florida's own Alan Laird, owner of AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar, ranked number 37 out of 500 submissions in the category for "Most Influential Restaurant Executives in the Country" on its "Power List 2020."

"Nation's Restaurant News" released its selections for its annual "Power List Reader Picks" in February 2021 and Laird was thrilled and honored to be recognized and to join some of the top players in the restaurant industry. This year's list focused on leadership and nominees ranged from restaurant CEOs and chefs to store managers who are making an impact through innovation.

So, what's Laird's secret to success? It's a pretty simple formula. Laird believes that it all hinges on good communication between staff and being polite to customers and each other.

"When customers come in, say 'hello.' Thank them for coming in when they're on their way out and ask if they enjoyed everything. Invite them to come back in," he says.

Laird has remained true to this basic philosophy since opening his doors in 1984 and apparently, it's paid off.

"I wouldn't be here today without this great team behind me," he says. "I appreciate that they have helped me to continue to stand out among restaurant executives across the country."

Laird, a Florida native, was born and raised in the state's panhandle, and has worked in restaurants all his life. In 1984, he opened the first AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar. It started out as a small burger and oyster joint that sold beer. Today, he has four restaurant locations and a 55-acre farm where he raises Black Angus, Waygu cattle and seasonal produce that he uses in these restaurants. The latest addition is a public market in Destin, AJ's Specialty Meats and Gourmet Market, that sells locally-sourced meats and produce.

Laird has also broken out into beverage branding over the past few years and is excited about AJ's branded vodka and two different beers brewed exclusively for AJ's by Props Craft Beer. These products are available at all AJ's locations, as well as local restaurants and stores in the panhandle.

About AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar

AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar serves the freshest seafood and mixed drinks along the beautiful Emerald Coast. It has live entertainment seven days a week and has been recognized on many local lists that include "Best of the Emerald Coast," and "Best of South Walton." It's also received national recognition from "Nightclub and Bar Magazine" as one of "America's Top 100 Nightclubs in the United States."

For more information about "Nation's Restaurant News" Power List 2020: https://www.nrn.com/people/most-influential-restaurant-executives-country-chosen-nation-s-restaurant-news-readers

For more information about AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar: https://ajsdestin.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachael Green, Public Relations Director
of AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar
+1-850-259-2057
info@ajs-destin.com

In 2020, readers of "Nation's Restaurant News" had a chance to weigh in on who they considered leaders in the restaurant industry. The people have spoken and Florida's own Alan Laird, owner of AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar, ranked number 37 out of 500 submissions in the category for "Most Influential Restaurant Executives in the Country" on its "Power List 2020."

Related link: https://ajsdestin.com/

AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar Announces its Spring Fling Cobia Tournament Dates

DESTIN, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- It's time to break out that fishing gear. AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar is hosting its Spring Fling Cobia Tournament from April 2-3, 2021. And, this year's event benefits two of its favorite non-profits, the Destin Fishing Museum and Kids on the Coast Foundation. Proceeds from the tournament will be split between the two.

Early registration is $400 and goes through March 29. After that, registration goes up to $500 and regular registration and packet pickups start at 6:30 p.m. on April 1. Anglers can register in person at any of AJ's four locations; or email entry forms to: fishing@ajs-destin.com. $10,000 in cash awards are guaranteed.

This year's tournament has a few changes compared to previous ones. For example, this year, all boats registered will be entered into a drawing for a free entry into the 2021 Destin Fishing Rodeo. A drawing will be held April 1 after all registrations have been received. And, since Easter falls on that first Sunday in April, this year's event has been shortened to two days instead of three.

Tournament weigh-ins will be held on the docks at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar and scales will be open both tournament days from 4 p.m. till 8 p.m. Weigh-in festivities are free and open to the public. Free parking is available too.

For more information, email: fishing@ajs-destin.com; call: 850-837-0404; or follow their Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/AJs-Spring-Fling-Cobia-Tournament-1355341257859169

About AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar

Since 1984, AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar has been serving cold Gulf Coast oysters and cool libations. What began as a popular local hang out known for fresh oysters and cold beer has grown into one of the most iconic "hot spots" on the Destin Harbor. From its humble beginning shucking oysters off the deck behind a small trailer on the Destin Harbor, it's proud to have grown to four locations along Florida's Emerald Coast, serving the freshest seafood, best live music and most exciting water activities in the Destin area.

Learn http://www.ajs-destin.com/

It's time to break out that fishing gear. AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar is hosting its Spring Fling Cobia Tournament from April 2-3, 2021. And, this year's event benefits two of its favorite non-profits, the Destin Fishing Museum and Kids on the Coast Foundation. Proceeds from the tournament will be split between the two.

Related link: https://ajsdestin.com/