Fairhope Reopenings: Ben’s Jr. Bar-B-Q, R Bistro

Ben’s Jr. Bar-B-Q at 552 North Section Street in Fairhope will soon reopen, Gulf Coast Media reports. After 35 years, the doors closed in 2018 due to the retirement of owners Kenneth "Bubba" Lee and his wife, Rise. At the time of the closure, it was said the restaurant would undergo a remodel and reopen in 2019. According to Baldwin County property records, the property was purchased by Pace Keyser LLC, which is registered to William E. Fusaiotti, owner of the Foosackly’s franchise, in 2018. In 2020, a photo of a building permit was posted to the Ben’s Bar-B-Q Facebook page. Construction began, stopped and began again. Southwood Kitchen owner and executive chef Jeremiah Matthews joined the project three years ago. Ben’s was one of the first kitchens Matthews worked in as a 17-year-old. Now, the exterior is similar but refreshed, and the interior has been completely remodeled. The menu will feature brisket, pork butt, ribs, smoked wings, burgers, homemade sides and more. According to Matthews, Rise Lee will return for a few weeks to help with the opening of the restaurant. Her husband passed away on December 24, 2021. Gulf Coast Media also reports that R Bistro, a past Fairhope favorite, is set to reopen this month at 19270 Scenic Highway 98 in a building previously occupied by Fish River Grill. Previously, R Bistro was in the heart of Fairhope’s central business district on Fairhope Avenue. Among its offerings were freshly made desserts and pastries, French onion soup and crawfish gravy. After 10 years of business, owners Joe and Misty Rider closed it at the end of July 2021. Its crawfish gravy continued to be available at the grocery store, and R Bistro Express later opened at the Piggly Wiggly Fairhope. The new location will be opened by Misty Rider. Joe Rider will continue the business at the Piggly Wiggly.