Jimmy Rush, aged 80, and his father, Jim Rush, aged 99, recently enjoyed a long-awaited treat at Wintzell’s Oyster House in downtown Mobile, Ala. The duo had been eyeing a special offer at the restaurant for over five decades.
Since 1972, Jimmy, accompanied by his younger brother and father, regularly visited Wintzell’s Oyster House in downtown Mobile, Ala., following the annual Mardi Gras celebrations. This tradition persisted even after the family relocated to Florida.
While dining at the restaurant, a peculiar sign caught their attention: “Free oysters to any man 80 years old accompanied by his father.”
Curious about the legitimacy of the offer, Jimmy inquired with the staff and received confirmation that it was indeed real. Determined to be the first father-son duo to claim the offer, the Rush family began strategizing.
After a 54-year wait, on Jimmy’s 80th birthday last month, he and his father finally seized the opportunity to enjoy the free oysters at Wintzell’s Oyster House.
A recent Facebook post by Wintzell’s Oyster House celebrated the milestone, highlighting the unique occurrence of Jimmy Rush, now 80, dining with his 99-year-old father, James Rush, in fulfillment of the restaurant’s decades-old promise.
Owner Bob Omainsky remarked that the restaurant’s founder, Oliver Wintzell, likely never anticipated anyone taking up the offer, considering it a humorous jest among the many decorative signs adorning the walls.
Throughout the years leading up to Jimmy’s 80th birthday, he and his father periodically confirmed the offer’s validity with the restaurant. Following their successful claim, the Rush family commemorated the occasion with a festive birthday gathering.
According to Jim Rush, the celebratory event was a resounding success, attended by around 60 guests. As for the taste of the free oysters, Jimmy affirmed that they were indeed more enjoyable.
Looking ahead, the Rush family may have another chance to relive the experience, as Jim Rush’s other son is set to turn 80 in the fall of 2027.
