Wintzell’s Oyster House set to open in Leeds this fall

The Fultondale location of Wintzell’s Oyster House. Photo courtesy of the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Birmingham-based Hallmark Hospitality Group, Inc. has announced its plans to open its second Birmingham-area Wintzell’s Oyster House franchise in Leeds.  

According to Frank Hall, CEO of Hallmark Hospitality, the company plans to open the Leeds location by mid-November in the former Santa Fe Cattle Company building.  

“We are excited to have Hallmark expanding our footprint in the Birmingham area” said Bob Donlon, the president of Wintzell’s Franchise Company.  “I am proud to have them continuing our tradition of offering only the freshest seafood while exuding a passion for Southern hospitality” he said.  

“As always, our goal is total guest satisfaction every day and I am confident that Hallmark will exceed those goals” he added.

Hall credits Leeds Mayor David Miller for helping bring Wintzell’s to Leeds. “Mayor Miller has been recruiting us for nearly three years,” he said.  “He has been tremendous to work with and we look forward to being a part of the Leeds community.”

Hall said that creating customer value would be an immediate focus of the Leeds restaurant. “Recently Wintzell’s launched a $7.99 lunch menu with a drink included.  We feel that it’s one of the best values for lunch in the Birmingham area,” he added.  

In the next few months, the company will be focusing on outreach to the Leeds-Moody community, large group reservations, and catering.  

The original Mobile Wintzell’s location has been open for over 80 years and is known for its “oysters — fried, stewed, or nude.” Wintzell’s Oyster House was founded in 1938 by J. Oliver Wintzell and initially began as a small, six-stool oyster bar. Since then, the restaurant and brand have grown significantly. Its other Jefferson County location, in Fultondale, opened in 2016. A Trussville location was announced in 2014 but ultimately never materialized. 

Hall most recently served as Vice President of Operations for Wintzell’s before forming Hallmark Hospitality in late 2017.  

“We are extremely committed to giving our guests the kind of service they expect while at the same time offering a great value.  We intend to be the Birmingham area’s favorite seafood restaurant,” he said.