CEO says Orange Beach remains ‘great location’ for Dolly Parton dinner theater

The high-stakes debate over a proposed Dolly Parton–branded dinner theater in Orange Beach isn't over yet, but the future of the project remains clouded. Jack Lawrence, the CEO of World Choice Investments LLC, recently confirmed that while his company is still eyeing Orange Beach as a potential destination, they are keeping their options open for other communities as well.

A Project in Limbo

Lawrence's comments mark his first public input since significant local backlash surfaced last month regarding the proposed location on Alabama State Route 161. In a statement provided to 205focus.com, Lawrence noted, "Orange Beach would be a great location for Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage to expand, but we are still weighing our options regarding the location for a new theater. Whether it’s in Orange Beach or another great community we know our show will bring with it great family entertainment and economic impact to the area."

The Tennessee-based company currently operates similar dinner theaters in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Panama City Beach, Fla., and the firm appears determined to add a fourth location to its roster.

Community Pushback and Planning Hurdles

Despite the CEO’s optimism, the proposal faces a ticking clock. On Monday, the Orange Beach Planning Commission accepted a third deferral, moving the project to its July 13 agenda. City officials have explicitly stated that this is the final opportunity for the developer to present, or the project will be considered dead.

Opposition to the 59,000-square-foot facility erupted during a May 6 town hall, where residents voiced intense concerns regarding traffic, noise, stormwater runoff, tree loss, and the use of captive animals. Many locals expressed fear that the development would fundamentally shift the character of Orange Beach from a laid-back coastal town to a high-density tourist hub, with one resident famously describing the proposal as "messing with my heaven."

The Path Forward

While Planning Commission Chairman Lannie Smith has suggested he expects the developers to withdraw the application entirely, city leadership remains caught between the potential for high-quality entertainment and the clear voice of the residents. Councilwoman Ginger Harrelson noted the unprecedented level of public involvement, stating, "I don’t know since living in Orange Beach that I’ve seen that much community involvement. I think the residents let their opinions be heard."

Mayor Tony Kennon, who oversaw the initial town hall, has remained neutral, aiming to ensure the best outcome for the Beech RV Park site, though the project’s future remains undeniably uncertain.