Alabama Restaurants and Businesses reopening today

R. Ken Cooper • May 11, 2020

Restaurants, Fishing Charters, Barber Shops, Retail Stores reopening today

(OBA®) - As announced in Alabama Governor Kay Ivey's media conference on May 8th, the Safer at Home order will expire today, May 11th at 5 pm. At this time a new, less restrictive Safer at Home order goes into effect. The new order will run through May 22nd, unless updated by another order.

Among other things, the updated order allows restaurants, bars breweries, barber shops and certain other businesses to open their doors, with certain restrictions, to the public today. Retail shops were allowed to open with 50% occupancy in the governor's previous order.

The order states that restaurants, bars and breweries are allowed to reopen today at 5 pm but night clubs, bowling alleys, arcades, concert venues, theaters, racetracks and other businesses are not allowed to reopen at this time. 

While there will no longer be restrictions on group sizes, the 6' distancing rule and other requirements remains in effect. Restaurants and retail businesses are only allowed to have a maximum 50% occupancy in their establishments until the current order expires on May 22nd at 5 pm. We expect to hear from the governor again prior to May 22nd with new rules going forward.

When going out in public people are encouraged to continue practicing safe physical distancing and hygiene practices to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

We have put together the collection of documents and the Safer at Home orders on this page.  

Jobs Available:
Many of the restaurants in our area are hiring. We share these job related posts and announcements on our OBA Jobs Facebook page.

Specials, Updates & Announcements:
We post and share posts from member restaurants and other local businesses on our OBA Food & Ent. Blog Facebook page throughout the day. Reviewing this page is good way to see announcements and specials from these businesses. 

Other Amenities: 
In addition to restaurants and local businesses, the Orange Beach Rec Center will reopen Tuesday, May 12th. The Orange Beach Aquatics Center reopened on May 8th. 


Share this article w/ Friends...

Sand in My Boots 2025
By Rod Peevy • October 21, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores is preparing to welcome back Sand In My Boots after a yearlong break. The beachside music festival is expected to draw thousands of fans to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Its return will bring more customers to local hotels, restaurants and shops ahead of the summer tourism season.
Skydio x10 Drone
By OBA Staff • October 21, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley is advancing a new public safety initiative that places drone technology on the front lines of emergency response. The Foley City Council approved a program authorizing the Foley Police Department to deploy drones as first responders. The department has partnered with Skydio, th
N. Cedar Street at W. Peachtree Ave
By OBA Staff • October 21, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Local contributions are helping Foley continue extending sidewalks on Cedar Street. The Foley City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with a developer to fund sidewalk extensions on Cedar Street, offering a practical alternative after sidewalk construction at the development site on B
Max Griffin Park
By OBA Staff • October 20, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The city of Foley is moving forward with a new round of improvements at Max Griffin Park, including a new indoor Aquatics Center. The Foley City Council recently approved plans to upgrade lighting at the softball fields and remove overhead power lines. The Aquatics Center will also include exterio
Johnnie Sims Park Pavilion
By OBA Staff • October 20, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores families can trade their rooftops for the open sky this fall. The City of Gulf Shores Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department is hosting a Family Camping Night at Sims Park Ball Fields. The event includes s'mores, a bonfire, games, and family activities. Registration is now o
Orange Beach City Hall
By K. Cooper • October 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach City Council will vote on two major construction grants. One is a $1,500,000 GOMESA grant for a Shooting Complex Clubhouse. A firefighters' grant for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus is also on the docket. Both items headline the full joint council agenda.
Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.
By Jessica A. Taylor • October 19, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Well, well, well… look who’s trying to keep a quiet week on the calendar! Nope, not us. The Alabama Gulf Coast always has big plans, and apparently, sitting still at home never makes the guest list. This week, we're putting our creative hats on, toasting to good music, sneaking in a little
Gulf Shores City Hall
By K. Cooper • October 19, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores is advancing plans for the Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge by reviewing key infrastructure contracts to convert surrounding undeveloped land into functional public plazas. Council members will evaluate a major change order and a construction management agreement t
Foley City Hall
By K. Cooper • October 19, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley City Council will meet tonight for its regular work session and meeting to consider several local business items and municipal resolutions. The session will include standard administrative tasks, public safety technology agreements, and economic proposals.
2026 National Shrimp Festival
By OBA Staff • October 18, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — For more than 50 years, the annual Shrimp Festival has brought beachgoers, families, and residents together to celebrate the coast’s heritage. The unexpected cancellation of the 2026 festival, a rare occurrence in its long history, has created an unusual opportunity for supporters and colle
Show More