Alabama Restaurant Honors Decades-Old Promise with Free Oysters for Father-Son Duo
Wintzell's Oyster House in Mobile, Alabama fulfilled a long-standing offer by providing complimentary oysters to Jimmy Rush on his 80th birthday, who dined with his 99-year-old father James. The restaurant's playful sign, originally placed by founder J. Oliver Wintzel when the establishment opened in 1938, promises free oysters to any man aged 80 accompanied by his father. The Rush family, regular patrons for decades, decided to test the promise after noticing the sign approximately 30 years ago. Current owner Clay Omainsky honored the commitment, noting the significance of keeping promises across generations. Jimmy's brother Carl plans to celebrate his own 80th birthday at the restaurant in October 2028 with the same offer.
Key facts
- Wintzell's Oyster House in Mobile, Alabama offered free oysters to any 80-year-old man dining with his father
- Jimmy Rush celebrated his 80th birthday at the restaurant with his 99-year-old father James
- The restaurant was founded in 1938 by J. Oliver Wintzel, who originally placed the sign
- The Rush family noticed the sign about 30 years ago when Jimmy was 50
- Current owner Clay Omainsky honored the decades-old promise when the family tested it
Entities
Institutions
- Wintzell's Oyster House
Locations
- Mobile, Alabama