First Friday Art Walk, an event that happens the first Friday of every month in different cities along the coast of Alabama, has earned popularity in the city of Fairhope. Starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m., Fairhope kicks off the month with 20-30 venues participating. With the different venues open for these extended hours, Art Walk participants can shop locally and participate in different activities during the month that include music, exhibition openings and even talks.
An ice cream shop participating in the First Friday Art Walk is Gene’s Beans, owned by Chad Bartz. As locals and tourists walk around downtown and go into shops, many stop by to get a quick sweet treat at Gene’s Beans. Considered an icon of downtown, the ice cream shop has been an all time favorite for generations and has continued to grow bigger and better every year while continuing to gain more and more customers along its way.
“A lot of locals and tourists just want to walk around and explore downtown, and they see us and want to walk in and get coffee, ice cream, and cookies,” Bartz said.
This place has always been beneficial to the community and tourists make sure they stop by when they are in town. Everyone loves it and can not wait to come back.
“We were customers from when Mr. Gene started the company, and I kept asking him and kept asking him and kept asking until one day we sat down at breakfast, and he offered it to me as long as we kept the essence the same and did not make any big changes,” Bartz said.
As promised, Bartz has kept the same familiar ambiance and continues gaining more and more love from new and old customers.
“My wife and I love kids and this company revolves around kids! And we love ice cream. Fairhope is such a great place, so having a business in Fairhope is an amazing thing,” Bartz said.
A favorite place in town since 1993, Gene’s Beans continues to put smiles on the faces of its customers, whether they are tourists or locals. Gene’s Beans has been such an accomplishment for the original owner and current owner; not only has it been such a great company but it has brought so many people together and has brought happiness to people throughout the years.
Senior Reese Adams frequents Genes Beans. “I love Gene’s Beans, it is so good and everyone loves it. It is also always a great place to be. Even if they are sitting in the outside seating area or inside, it is always a good time!” Adams said.
Passersby may see kids hanging out, coloring with their sidewalk chalk. When the roads are closed for an event, they will even color in the streets. Kids in a wide range of ages love coloring and being able to get refreshments after, whether it is ice cream, cookies, drinks or even some popcorn.
Gene’s Beans continues to garner love and support within Fairhope and beyond. Whether tourists or locals, hopefully they continue supporting the Art Walk and come back to get the epic snacks and treats from Gene’s Beans and their staff. If you find yourself in Fairhope, it’s worth your while. No need to put it in your GPS either. Just ask someone where to go because everybody loves Gene’s Beans. It never grows old.
