CULLMAN, Ala. – A coastal addition has just expanded Cullman’s culinary scene. Half Shell Oyster House officially opened its 15th location, its sixth in Alabama, on Wednesday, June 25, at Cotton Creek Warehouse, bringing Gulf Coast cuisine, a New Orleans-inspired atmosphere and a strong focus on Southern hospitality to downtown.
The restaurant was initially launched in Gulfport, Mississippi, in 2009. Half Shell has steadily expanded throughout the Southeast, growing from a single-location seafood restaurant to a popular dining place across the region. Cullman’s location joins the brand’s footprint in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.
“We’re really excited to be here,” said General Manager Kayla North. “The energy downtown and the unique setting, with the connected brewery and venue, made this a perfect fit.”
Known for its signature Gulf oysters and scratch-made dishes, Half Shell’s menu features dishes like the Redfish Orleans — blackened redfish topped with a house-made Orleans sauce, jumbo lump crab meat and Parmesan cheese. Other selections include hand-cut steaks, pasta, chicken dishes and hearty burgers.
Marketing Director Lauren Pitts emphasized that quality and care are at the heart of the restaurant’s identity. “We are a from-scratch concept, so that’s really what sets us apart from most restaurants. We put a lot of care, a lot of love, a lot of attention to detail in our food, which is why our guests, I think, love it.”
Guests can also expect a lively bar menu featuring handcrafted cocktails, such as the fan-favorite Pink Pearl Martini. Designed to reflect the charming ambiance of the French Quarter, the dining space is warm and inviting, with an open oyster grill adding a level of excitement to the experience and offering a close-up view of the action.
In preparation for the official opening, a whole team of certified trainers from Half Shell’s home office in Gulfport spent several weeks working with local hires.
“We have about 25 to 35 trainers on-site, making sure everyone is set up for success,” said North. “Our goal is to leave behind experts once the trainers head back home,” added Pitts.
The restaurant sources its ingredients from Coast Foods Distribution, a company based in Mississippi. This allows Half Shell to control quality and consistency across all its locations. For a touch of local flair, a collaboration with Goat Island Brewing is also on the horizon. While details remain under wraps, the team promises a local twist that will bring the Half Shell experience outside of the restaurant’s four walls.
The team sees Half Shell as a long-term player in Cullman’s growing food scene.
“We want to be a go-to spot for date nights, celebrations or just a great meal out, and we want people to know the heart behind it. There’s a whole team that really cares,” said Pitts.
“We want to make sure that if you’re looking for good food and Southern hospitality…we can be a part of that,” said North.
For more information, visit www.halfshelloysterhouse.com. Half Shell Oyster House is located at 417 Third Ave. SW, Suite 115, Cullman, AL 35055.
