Rae's Kitchen

You may not know that in 1955, the Dallas Cowboys selected L. G. Dupre in the third round of the NFL Draft. He was a 5' 11” 190 lb. running back who played opposite Alabama’s famous linebacker Lee Roy Jordan. L. G. and Lee Roy became fast friends during their playing days and their “Cowboy wives,” Biddie and Sissy did too.

Lee Roy an have been part-time residents of Point Clear for years, and the Dupre family came to Fairhope to visit often. The Dupre’s daughter, Nancy, and granddaughter, Jessica moved to Seagrove Beach, Florida along 30-A where they opened and ran a restaurant, and on their travels from Seagrove Beach to Dallas, they would often stop by to visit the Jordans in Point Clear.

When Nancy’s husband died suddenly in 2007, she decided to sell the restaurant. The 30-A area had become too crowded for their liking, and Jessica suggested they move to Fairhope. “I had known the Jordans all my life but never knew Lee Roy was so revered here,” she says. “Wow!”

Within six months, Nancy and Jessica opened Rae’s Kitchen in a small facility tucked behind a business called Best Kept Secret off Section Street in Fairhope. Rae’s Kitchen offered ready-to-go meals, lunches, salads, snacks, and party appetizers. The business grew steadily. “We were doing it all ourselves for a long while,” says Jessica. “Then friends started helping us out one by one, and the business really started to grow. We were teaching people how to prepare home cooking.”

As Rae’s got busier, local developers began coming by to pitch them on a new location. Jessica finally committed to renting space in a new retail project that was being built across the street from Greer’s Market on Section in downtown Fairhope. She signed a lease and waited three years to move in. Rae’s Kitchen is celebrating its first full year in the new space, and they are pleased with how it turned out.

“Nancy has opened six restaurants and is good at designing the workspace. I designed the new kitchen,” says Jessica. “We love the beautiful new building! It just feels good. We love the location and the courtyard.” With the new, expanded space, Rae’s was able to offer dine-in lunch from 11 ‘till 2 every day except Sunday when they are closed. “I never imagined how busy lunch would be,” says Jessica.

Nancy decided to retire from the restaurant business last year so Jessica now runs the show with three other ladies. “This is a really big deal for me,” she says. They are a huge help, and we have fun together.” It’s pretty evident when you visit Rae’s how well they get along. They even do spelling bees in the kitchen when things slow down. “Everyone works so hard and that’s why it works. Everyone does whatever is needed. We are a team.”

How about Nancy? I asked. “She’s dipped her toe into the real estate business and is having the time of her life,” says Jessica. “This is the first time we haven’t worked together in our lives, and our relationship has never been better.” What about Covid? “I hate to say it, but Covid was great for our business. We got so busy. Everyone ordered carry-out and grab-and-go meals and we delivered curbside.” What about the cost of goods these days? “It’s embarrassing to raise prices, but things like Romaine lettuce and butter and protein have doubled in price.”

With the holiday season quickly approaching, Jessica and her team are gearing up. “Thanksgiving and Christmas are huge!” Rae’s Kitchen offers a large Thanksgiving spread of traditional side dishes. “Everything but the bird,” she says. You can place your order until November 18th for sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, corn pudding, and giblet gravy (Sissie’s receipt). “It’s all on our Facebook and Instagram pages,” says Jessica. “We do beef tenderloins at Christmas, too.”

Rae’s most popular appetizers are the Cowboy Sushi and the Jalapeno Cilantro, and Pimento Cheese dips. They offer larger quantities for large groups and parties. The best-selling take-home meals are Wild Rice and Chicken, Beef Stroganoff, and the freshly made Chicken Salad sells out every day. When I visited, they were preparing beautiful gourmet salads for takeout.

Liz Miller has lived in Fairhope for 13 years and joined Rae’s staff when the new location opened. She creates custom-designed sugar cookies with company logos or other images for special events. You can purchase holiday-themed cookies by the dozen for friends and family or parties. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram at The Crafty Cookie – Fairhope. “She’s a true artist,” says Jessica.

So, what is it about Fairhope that you love? “Fairhope is where I discovered myself as an adult,” says Jessica. “It’s a small town that stays busy, and I like that.” Liz said, “It’s a close-knit community. Even with all the growth it still feels small and neighborly.” They both chimed in, “We love it here!”

We love Fairhope too, especially Rae’s Kitchen! Make it easy on yourself this holiday season. Stop by for lunch and visit their website for all your Thanksgiving and Christmas mouthwatering goodies.