Chef Jim Shirley

10/11/2026

The commercial area of Seaside will remain closed on Sunday, October 11th.

We are continuing to wait for power restoration and want to allow everyone to focus on themselves, their families, and their property.

Once power is restored and conditions allow, we will work with our merchants to reopen businesses safely and responsibly.

We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

10/08/2026

📢📢📢 Important Update – Thursday, October 8 📢📢📢

All Chef Jim Shirley Enterprises restaurants will be closing for the rest of today/tonight to prep for the incoming severe weather from Hurricane Isaias.

This includes Great Southern Cafe, The C-Bar, Bff, 87 Plaza, Meltdown on 30A, North Beach Social, The Bay, and Farm & Fire.

We appreciate your understand that the safety of all our staff and guests comes first. We plan to reopen Sunday, October 11. We will post updates if anything changes.

Thank you, stay safe!

10/08/2026

🌀 Hurricane Isaias Closure Update 🌀
With Hurricane Isaias approaching, the safety of our guests and our team comes first. All Chef Jim Shirley restaurants will stop seating for dinner at 7 PM TONIGHT, Thursday, October 8.

We will be CLOSED Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10:⁠

• Great Southern Café
• 87 Plaza
• BFF
• The Meltdown
• The Bay
• North Beach Social
• Farm & Fire

We'll reopen ALL locations Sunday, October 11 for lunch service, including Great Southern Café.

Please stay safe, look after your families and neighbors, and follow local emergency guidance. We can't wait to welcome you back on Sunday. 💙

09/28/2026

Thank you, Chicago Gourmet! I was thrilled to be part of this year’s events again alongside my team Chef Josh Higgins, Chef Ben Steeno, and Chef Michael Mix, and the amazing crew from Visit South Walton! We had such a great time meeting everyone who stopped by our booths at Tacos & Tequila and the Hamburger Hop events at Millennium Park, talking with talented chefs and friends from around the world, and sharing what makes our area so special. Hope to see you again!

09/26/2026

09/24/2026

Walton County Tourism is celebrating six local hospitality professionals honored for outstanding service at the recent Recognition of Service Excellence Awards, and we're thrilled that two of them are part of the Chef Jim Shirley Enterprises team! Congrats, Casey and Jay, and thanks for all you do!

Hosted by the Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association at Henderson Beach Resort, the annual ROSE Awards recognize hospitality professionals who help create exceptional experiences for visitors throughout the region.

This year’s event featured more than 70 nominees across 13 categories. Walton County Tourism congratulates the following local award recipients:

Culinary Service, Chef/Cook – Restaurant: Christian Griffith, The Surf Hut
Event Service – Banquets/Events: Jon Lovett, Hilton Sandestin Golf Beach Resort & Spa
Front of the House – Restaurant: Jay Jsames, The Bay
Golden Pineapple Award – Frank Flautt and Fred Alias, Sandcastle Resorts
Sales/Marketing – Hotel/Resort: Maggie Weaver, Hilton Sandestin Golf Beach Resort & Spa
Veteran Excellence in Hospitality Award: Casey Moser, Chef Jim Shirley Enterprises
These honorees represent the hospitality professionals who play an important role in creating the welcoming, memorable experiences visitors associate with Walton County.

“Our region is known for its beautiful beaches and unforgettable experiences, but it is the people working behind the scenes and welcoming guests every day who truly bring the Emerald Coast to life,” said Marissa Bonham, FRLA Northwest Florida regional director. “We are proud to recognize this year’s nominees and winners and celebrate the dedication they bring to work.”

FRLA is Florida’s premier nonprofit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. Its more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, nationally recognized franchises, theme parks and industry suppliers.

09/23/2026

09/19/2026

Excited to be returning to Chicago Gourmet this year with Visit South Walton! Stay tuned for more! 🌃