FAIRHOPE — In just one month, Misty Rider has revived her beloved R Bistro in a new location in Fairhope.

The first Fairhope R Bistro was in the heart of the city's central business district on Fairhope Avenue. The small and cozy restaurant served freshly made desserts and pastries, French onion soup and their famous crawfish gravy, just to name a few.

After 10 years of business, Misty Rider closed R Bistro at the end of July 2021. The family moved to New York but kept ties to the Eastern Shore.

When asked why she wanted to bring R Bistro back to life in Fairhope, Rider said she got to a place in her life where she did not know what to do next.

“I prayed about what it was God wanted me to do, and he sent me a verse that said, 'Feed the people,'" she said. “I was like I can do that, but I don’t know where to do that because the circumstances had changed.”

While Rider was back in Fairhope visiting, she saw the closed-up Fish River Grill by the Bay building.

“When I prayed again, I was like, 'God if you want me to go back and you want this to be my building I need a sign from you,'” Rider said. “The next morning, He gave me the verse, 'Return and I will restore you.' That is all I needed to hear because every single thing since then has just been falling into place like crazy.”

In one month after Rider secured the building, she got it cleaned and painted, hired a staff and got tables and chairs ordered and delivered. She said every person she approached for help said yes and jumped in. Rider said she has been overwhelmed by the community support and the outpouring of love.

“The Bistro is my best friend. It is what I love,” Rider said as a wave of emotion took over. “It is home to me, and it is what I love. The people that come here, we have the best guests in the world. They are the kindest, most supportive people.”

The building has been painted and hidden historic details uncovered. The main dining room seats the same as the former R Bistro location (a little over 40), but there is an area that will be converted into a lounge, an additional space that will become more seating and an outdoor patio. Rider plans to add seating areas as needed.

Diner can expect to find the R Bistro Classics on the menu. The menu will start small and expand as the team is ready.

“Mostly to start, we are focusing on the R Bistro Classics because that is what the people love, that is what people want, and you have got to give them what they want. They get very angry when we don’t have beef stroganoff,” Rider said with a laugh. “I want to lean a little bit more toward the French side a little bit. In the coming weeks, as people get trained up, we will start having dinner specials again. People really love our steak frites, and we will have the duck confit on the menu as an entrée.”

Despite the short timeline, Rider said she has been lucky to find talented team members who are quick to learn and willing to work hard. She said she prayed for a skilled staff, and God delivered. The soft opening only occurred because the staff felt they were ready. Rider attributes the kitchen staff being so prepared to her Chef de Cuisine Silvia Cid Soto.

When asked what she is looking forward to most, Riber said, “Having a full house, mixing drinks, everyone having fun and laughing. That is what the restaurant business is all about. People having a good time and celebrating with us. To be a part of people’s lives like that is so fulfilling and amazing.”