Over the last 40 years, former University of Alabama football star Bob Baumhower has grown his Aloha Hospitality group into a successful chain of 14 restaurants in Alabama.
It all started with his first restaurant Wings & Things in Tuscaloosa, which he opened with his high school friend Phillip Weaver.
At Baumhower’s restaurants, food, southern hospitality and serving others continue to be a way of life and something the founder takes pride in sharing each day. Baumhower opened his first restaurant in 1982. He then took it to a full-service restaurant in 1992. Shortly after, he opened a pair of waterfront eateries in Orange Beach.
After 2010, he rebranded Wing Sports Grille into the current Baumhower’s Victory Grille, with a total of nine locations across the state. Baumhower also currently serves as the CEO of Aloha Hospitality, which is the parent company of his restaurant ventures.
Baumhower’s Victory Grille prides itself on bringing guests the highest quality ingredients and family-friendly, sports-themed fun. Baumhower’s establishments make many of their key ingredients in-house, as well as serve locally sourced ingredients, including Conecuh sausage and fresh Alabama Gulf seafood.
In a recent press release, Baumhower’s announced, “As part of their 40th anniversary celebration, Baumhower’s Victory Grille is introducing their new featured item Alabama Hot Chicken™ – a fresh, southern fried chicken breast, smothered in a tangy blend of immune boosting herbs and spices, with a spicy finish. Served up with a side of homemade smoked gouda cheese grits, Ms. Mary’s southern greens, and garlic bread, this dish is a reason to celebrate!”
Bob Baumhower believes in a hands-on approach and making local Alabama communities better. His commitment to service with the company’s outreach programs has led to partnerships with Camping World and the University of Alabama basketball team to help fight hunger and serve those in need in local communities through the Plating Change Initiative.
Baumhower stated, “Team Baumhower and I are flattered and humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the Plating Change Initiative with Camping World and the University of Alabama.”
Over the past year, the company fed over 5,000 people through events with organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, Mind Changers, College Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Central High School Football team in Tuscaloosa, as well as The Foundry in Bessemer. They will continue this outreach and again be supplying the Central High School football team with pregame meals this coming season.
Spencer Baumhower, the current president, further commented, “Servant leadership and being ‘born to serve’ has always been something that is deeply woven into the fabric of who we are as a company. Whether it is our guests, team, or communities, we always love the opportunity to serve others and give back.”
