‘Icon of Bay Minette’: Community, family rallies around Streets Seafood after fire

A devastating fire may have turned the beloved Streets Seafood Restaurant into a charred shell, but the community of Bay Minette is already looking toward the future. The Overstreet family, led by longtime owner Eugene Overstreet, has made one thing clear: they are committed to rebuilding the local institution that has served the area since 1983.

Community Support in Action

The effort to support the displaced staff and hungry patrons begins this Tuesday. A food trailer will arrive at the original restaurant site, serving a limited menu from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to reconnect with the generations of customers who have made the eatery a staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can read more about the community's reaction to the blaze here.

"We are just simply overwhelmed by the love, support and community," said Joyce Overstreet, sister of Eugene and owner of the Stagecoach Café. Joyce noted that the family is particularly focused on how to continue serving the senior adults who viewed the restaurant as a daily gathering spot.

Local Restaurants Step Up

Nearby establishments are stepping in to fill the void while the family prepares to demolish and rebuild the site. Saving Grace Kitchen, owned by Eugene’s niece Crystal Whatley, has expanded its operations to include breakfast. "We are trying to help just as much as we can... we’re just trying to do our part as a community," Whatley said. Both Saving Grace Kitchen and the Stagecoach are also actively assisting displaced employees with new job placements.

Java J’s Café is also opening its doors to displaced diners. In a recent Facebook post, the café emphasized that while their menu is more limited, they are honored to provide a space where customers are treated like family until Streets can get back on its feet.

The Road to Rebuilding

While Bay Minette Fire Chief Mark Minchew stated the cause of the fire remains unknown due to the extensive damage in the kitchen, the path forward is firm. Despite his family's suggestions to retire, Eugene Overstreet is determined to return to business. A GoFundMe campaign has already been launched to assist the restaurant and its staff, raising $9,270 as of Monday afternoon.

As Whatley put it, "It’s literally an icon of Bay Minette. It’s sad, but we are going to rally together and support each other as a community and we’ll make it."