Gulf Shores, Ala. – On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber presented George “Buddy” Moyers, an Original Oyster House busser/food runner since 2024, July’s Island Spirit Award. The award is given monthly by the Chamber, recognizing individuals who display warmth, hospitality and concern for the community and tourists.
The Island Spirit committee members showered Buddy with recognitions including balloons, an Island Spirit pin, a monetary prize sponsored by Beach Properties, his own keepsake plaque, plus the large Island Spirit Plaque displayed in the restaurant for a month. His nomination by Stephen Shillito explained why Buddy is a standout for this award.
George “Buddy” Moyers works for the Original Oyster House, where he was named Employee of the Year. Customers frequently notice the passion he puts into his duties, whether it is bussing tables or running food, and they let the managers know.
What sets Buddy apart most, however, is his spirit. In the heat of the summer when the Gulf Coast swells with visitors and the pace of work becomes relentless, Buddy moves faster and smiles wider. His attitude is contagious. He lifts the people around him, simply by showing up fully, joyfully with the purpose of making everyone else better.
He is also actively involved with the sports program at Gulf Shores High School, where at least one of his children have excelled in Swimming.
His presence on the island, what he has given to and done for the high school’s athletic department, and the asset he has been as an employee of the Original Oyster House are what make him a worthy candidate for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s Island Spirit Award.
The Original Oyster House has become the “must-go-to” place for great fresh Gulf seafood, service and panoramic waterfront sunsets. A top-spot for hand-shucked and fire-grilled oysters, the Original Oyster House has also become legendary for its homemade gumbo, cheesy grits with blackened shrimp, as well as handcrafted desserts including its famous Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pie. In 2016, the Original Oyster House became the first restaurant in the state of Alabama to recycle oyster shells through the Alabama Coastal Foundation. As of Aug. 2026, an estimated 31 million oyster shells have been recovered. The Original Oyster House also supports the sustainability of oysters and is one of the only restaurants to [oyster garden], grow stocker oysters to refurbish the reef.
The Original Oyster House (OOH) has two locations: 3733 Battleship Parkway on the Mobile Causeway and 701 Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores. Both locations offer spectacular waterfront views and have been celebrated as the area’s finest family restaurants for the past 40 years. For more information about the Original Oyster House, please visit www.originaloysterhouse.com or call 251-928-2620.
Pictured from left are Buddy Moyers and Stephen Shillito who nominated him for the Island Spirit Award.
