Father-Son Duo, 99 & 80, Enjoy Free Oysters at Restaurant After Becoming First Pair to Fulfill 1 of the 'Rarest Traditions'
A man in Alabama was able to enjoy a dozen free oysters after pulling off a historic first at a restaurant that’s been around for nearly 90 years.
In late February, Jimmy Rush, 80, and his 99-year-old dad, James Rush, walked into Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile, Ala. to cash in on free oysters.
The timing of their visit was important, as Jimmy had just celebrated his birthday. That meant that he and his dad met the qualifications on a sign in the restaurant, which read: “Free oysters to any man 80 years old accompanied by his father.”
They were the first father-son duo to call in on the deal.
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“Most people read that sign behind the bar and laugh. But tonight, Jimmy Rush walked in on his 80th birthday with his father, James Rush, 99, right beside him, and turned one of Wintzell’s rarest traditions into a real-life milestone,” the restaurant wrote in a post on Facebook.
The statement continued, reading, “The Rush family has been part of this place for years, and they didn’t come alone. A full room of friends, shared memories — and yes, oysters on the house, true to our founder’s promise.”
“Some jokes age well. So did this one,” they added.
Speaking to Fox 10 News, Jimmy, his younger brother Carl and their dad explained that visiting Wintzell’s Oyster House was a family tradition, even after they moved from Alabama to Florida.
The sign — a joke to many — took on meaning to the trio.
“I can quote by heart, ‘Free oysters, to any man 80 years old, accompanied by his father,’” Carl, 77, said. “So in seeing that sign, we felt like our dad was going to make it to 100 because he’s in great health.”
He added that the family has been looking forward to pulling it off for “25, 30 years.”
Jimmy celebrated his birthday at the restaurant surrounded by about 60 of his closest friends and family.
He told Fox 10 that it was the only birthday he’s ever been excited for.
“Never thought about any birthdays except my 80th,” he admitted. “That’s the one I was looking forward to — because of the sign.”
The Rush family was the first to pull off the historic feat. If they have their way, they’ll also be the second once Carl turns 80 in October 2028. James would be 102 at that point, but he seems determined to be there.
“My dad says he’s going to make it, so that’s good enough for me,” Carl added.