Julie Tew is now in her 9th year of operation at Church Street’s Bay Breeze Cafe in Downtown Fairhope. This Fairhope native’s inspiration comes from her “needing to get a job” while she was in school. Throughout her college career, Julie was fortunate to have worked with some food service folks that were well trained and passionate about the profession. She took that opportunity to learn all she could. After obtaining her Masters Degree in Athletic Training, Julie worked for Troy University. She returned to Fairhope to be closer to family.
Julie and her mother, Liz, began working on a plan to figure out something that they could do together. Since then, it has become a family affair with Dad, Jerry, just as involved.
The menu is a combination of some of the foods that Julie has prepared in kitchens she has worked in, recipes from family and friends, and things she just enjoys herself. You will always find Julie in or near the kitchen during lunch hours. She is very systematic and wants to make sure everything is done to her satisfaction. Cold sandwiches are not something that appeals to Julie so just about every logical menu item is warmed on the panini press. The scampied shrimp is a favorite and can be found atop baby greens, as a pita pizza topping or contained in a wrap or panini. Their signature soup is the roasted corn and tomato bisque and never disappoints.  Bay Breeze has just revamped their menu of salads, wraps, paninis, pita pizzas, and hot dogs and added more tasty options. They include a Mediterranean Eggplant Flatbread, a Bacon & Pimento Grilled Cheese Sandwich, a Havarti, Bacon and Tomato Sandwich on focaccia, a BBQ Bacon & Cheddar Dog, a Conecuh Dog, a Chicken Marinara Hoagie and a Shrimp and Conecuh Hoagie.
And it would be just wrong to leave without dessert! Julie’s mom Liz is the master of the desserts. She makes all of the sweet deliciousness that is served at the cafe with occasional help from Dad/Jerry. He is actually the creator of one of their best selling desserts – Southern Pecan Delight.
Cafe Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 am until 2:30pm and if you aren’t in a hurry, Liz offers her Friday and Saturday morning breakfast menu from 8am until 10am. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and Bay Breeze Cafe also caters and offers free delivery to Downtown Fairhope Merchants.  Bay Breeze Cafe, 50 S. Church Street, Fairhope (251) 990-0294 • Facebook “Bay Breeze Cafe