4 June 2024
Jennifer Morris of The 901 to Bama
Jennifer Morris, alongside her husband Patrick, has turned The
901 to Bama into much more than a pub—it’s a community
hub where everyone who walks in the door is adopted into a
close-knit family. Since opening, the Morris family has embraced the philosophy that excellent service and delicious
food are best delivered with a hefty dose of love and community spirit. “We’re all in this thing called life together,”
Jennifer says, and she means it. From celebrating milestones
to supporting through tough times, Jennifer has cultivated a
welcoming environment that feels like a second home to her
patrons.
The Comfort of a Dive Pub
The 901 to Bama proudly identifies as a dive pub, but what does that mean exactly? Jennifer explains, “A dive pub is a spot where you never have to worry about whether or not you’re dressed appropriately or if you are going to be judged walking in the door. The food is always comforting and hot, and the beer is always cold.”
Culinary Excellence with a Unique Twist
Every dish at The 901 to Bama is crafted from scratch, using the freshest ingredients. Jennifer and her team pour their creativity into every meal, from house-made pizza dough and bread to sauces and salad dressings. Their menu takes typical comfort foods and gives them a unique twist, ensuring that what you find here is exceptional. This innovative approach to familiar dishes keeps their customers coming back for more.
From Memphis to the Eastern Shore: A Family Journey
Upon returning to Daphne, Michael discovered that the LeJeune’s were closing their Market By The Bay. Seizing the opportunity, he approached Harry Johnson and Garret DeLuca of Manci’s/Buster’s with a partnership idea to revive the beloved seafood spot. With their combined efforts, they successfully reopened Market By The Bay, much to the delight of the community.
A Family Affair and Community Spirit
Jennifer and Patrick’s journey to the Eastern Shore is as unique as their pub and was driven by opportunity and family. Jennifer’s oldest daughter relocated to the area in June 2020 to attend Coastal Alabama Community College. Patrick received a job offer on the Eastern Shore in September of the same year. They found a home and settled near Silverhill in April 2021. In early 2022, their youngest daughter moved down, followed six months later by one of their sons. This led to a running joke that the Morris family was moving down like a slow train; even now, they still have family members hopping on board!
Owning a restaurant had always been Jennifer’s dream. When she stumbled upon the opportunity to purchase an established restaurant, she seized it. The initial acquisition, Yinzers, served as a testing ground for the dishes they envisioned, blending favorites from Memphis with local tastes. Over time, they realized the need to re-brand to truly make the restaurant their own.
The 901 to Bama is located at 28850 US-98 #200 in Daphne.
A Name That Tells a Story
The re-branding to The 901 to Bama in July 2023 was inspired by a television ad for the movie 3:10 to Yuma. In that moment, Jennifer had an epiphany, and “The 901 to Bama” was born. “The 901” is a nod to Memphis, their hometown, and “Bama,” of course, represents their new home. The name and logo, with clever references to “The 901,” perfectly capture their journey and the fusion of their Memphis roots with Alabama hospitality.
The 901 to Bama isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a living testament to Jennifer’s passion for food, family, and community. Her story is one of perseverance, creativity, and love. If you have yet to visit The 901 to Bama, now is the perfect time to experience the warm embrace and delicious meals that have quickly made it a local favorite.