Ducote, Jackson, Markel and Morgan Named Employees of the Year

The Original Oyster House restaurants closed early this month for their annual Christmas parties to celebrate employees. The coveted Employee of the Year awards which includes a monetary prize, were presented to staff members who exemplify the company’s mission, core values and excellence. Gaynell Ducote, front-of-the-house cashier and Levorn Jackson, a back-of the-house kitchen lead were named the 2022 Employees of the Year at the Mobile Causeway. Lucy Markel, front-of-the-house host and Kian Morgan, back-of the-house line cook won Employees of the Year at the Gulf Shores location. Both Ducote and Markel are second-time winners, having been recognized as Employees of the Year back in 2015.

“With warmth, a constant smile and a friendly demeanor, Lucy welcomes each visitor like they have just entered her home. How lucky we are to have Lucy be first to greet our guests with genuine Southern hospitality,” said Bud Morris, general manager of Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores. “When Kian joined our team, we found out quickly there isn’t much she cannot do.  Kian started on the expo line, then learned the grill, middle and the broil line. She does it all, is very hardworking, easy going, and she works overtime when needed. She’s treasured in our kitchen,” said Morris.

“Gaynell’s customer service skills, consistency and hard work make her a stand out in the front of the house. We greatly depend on her to mentor others and keep our guests happy. She is highly respected by all, managers, her coworkers and guests, and lives the company mission and values,” said Jim Harrison, general manager of the Original Oyster House on the Mobile Causeway. “Levorn is like the bedrock of the back of the house. With over 20 years of service at the Original Oyster House, Levorn knows his craft like the back of his hand. He has made our brand strong through his consistent technique and excellence. Everyone leans on his skills. Levorn is reliable, dependable and is a pleasure to work with,” said Harrison.

The Original Oyster House has become the “must-go-to” place for great fresh Gulf seafood, service and Southern hospitality and for its 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 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. In December 7 of 2022, an estimated 19.7 million oyster shells have been recovered from participating Gulf Coast restaurants. In 2018, the Original Oyster House pledged further by being the only local restaurant to “oyster garden” or grow stocker oysters for reef restoration.

The Original Oyster House (OOH) has two locations, Mobile: 3733 Battleship Parkway, on the Causeway and Gulf Shores: 701 Gulf Shores Parkway on the Original Oyster House Boardwalk. Both locations offer spectacular waterfront views and have been celebrated as the area’s finest family restaurants for the past 38 years. For more information about the Original Oyster House, please visit www.originaloysterhouse.com or call 251-928-2620.

Pictured from left are Jim Harrison, general manager, congratulating Gaynell Ducote [winner], front-of-the-house employee of the year, and Dre Lawson, dining room manager of the Mobile Causeway location.

 Levorn Jackson [winner] back-of-the-house employee of the year at the Causeway location. With over 20 years of service at the Original Oyster House, Levorn knows his craft like the back of his hand.

Congratulating Employees of the Year winners at the Gulf Shores Christmas party are pictured from left Lucy Markel front of the house host and Kian Morgan back of the house cook.