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Iconic Gulf Shores Restaurant Likely Changing Hands
John Mullen • June 17, 2024
Gulf Shores Council to Discuss Papa Rocco’s License Transfer
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – One of the most iconic restaurants on the Alabama Gulf Coast could be making significant changes pending the transfer of a liquor license from Papa Rocco’s Pizza to a business based in Gulf Shores called KJJ Group.
The Gulf Shores City Council will discuss the transfer at its work session on June 17 in council chambers at city hall starting at 4 p.m. There will be a public hearing at the regular session on June 24 and a likely vote on the transfer then.
Bill McGinnes has owned the legendary business since 1984 and is the current home of the annual St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl to several restaurants and bars. It was started by then Pink Pony Pub owner Vince Murphy in the 1970s and McGinnes took over as grand marshal in 1989, according to published reports.
KJJ Group has Kenneth Jones listed as its registered agent and incorporator, according to state records and its official location is a Gulf Shores location.
During the work session, the council will also discuss:
- Approving a liquor license for Nonna’s Pizza going into the old Drunken Shrimp location.
- Reappointing Randy Arp, Richard Jones and Harris Newman to the Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals board. The trio’s terms expired on June 8 and they would like to be reappointed to terms ending on June 8, 2028.
- Placing a moratorium on business licenses for rentals of golf carts and low-speed vehicles while officials consider amendments to the ordinance on these rentals.
- Issuing a taxi franchise for Platinum Chauffeured Transportation Service to operate in the city.
- Issuing 10-year non-exclusive franchises for Southern Light and Uniti Fiber to use city rights-of-way for telecommunications infrastructure.
- An agreement between the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach fire departments for an automatic aid agreement to respond to fires in Gulf State Park and its trail system.
- Public assembly permits for the Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon at the Hangout on Sept. 7 and the Meeting of the Minds 5K and one-mile run on Oct. 26 at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina.
Hear an appeal from resident Chris Lee to remove pine trees from his yard at 313 W. 23rd St. Zoning staff determined that a tree in Lee’s front yard cannot be removed because it is protected under city ordinances, but four other trees on his property can be removed.
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