FAIRHOPE — The wait is over. Dragonfly Foodbar is open in its new location.

On Feb. 1, Gulf Coast Media published an article alerting readers that Dragonfly Foodbar was leaving downtown Fairhope after 13 years due to rising rent.

"Our rent was raised to the point where we wouldn't be able to continue to do what we've been doing in downtown Fairhope for 13 years," Doug Kerr said in February. "It has been a blessing in disguise."

Social media reactions ranged from sadness to outrage and joy. Downtown Fairhope is always bustling, and while there is plenty of parking if you are willing to walk a block or two, many are not a fan of the lack of parking close to their intended destination.

Dragonfly's new location, 18874 Section St., is 1.7 miles outside of downtown Fairhope and currently boasts 220 seats and parking for about 65 vehicles. The place has been hopping since quietly opening Monday, April 29.

While owners Doug and Brie Kerr were busy, they both stopped by my table Friday, May 3, to say hello. Doug said they had a secret soft opening Monday, April 29, and posted on social media that they were open Tuesday. The place was packed. On Wednesday, there was an hour wait for lunch and dinner. Thursday night, Doug had to act as a parking attendant. He said people were parking down the road and walking in.

The Kerrs are reaping the rewards of all those long days and late nights over the last two months.

The new location currently has just 12 more seats than the downtown location, but there is still a space to finish that will add 200 seats in the future. More parking is also in the plans as a neighboring lot has been purchased.

While the building is different, the food is the same with some added additions like the Foodbar smash burger, crispy chicken slider and potato logs.

Foodbar smashburger with potato logs.

The building Dragonfly now occupies was previously the Ahi Seafood Market. Many on social media were concerned the market was closing permanently, but they have just changed their business model to a preorder market only.

During renovations, a front patio was added and filled with picnic tables, each with an umbrella for shade. The interior now features a massive bar on one side, and the walls are full of artwork just like the downtown location.

If you have been missing $2 Taco Tuesday or the Kung Pao Chicken bowl (my go-to order), get yourself to the new Dragonfly Foodbar.

King Pao Chicken bowl