Fairhope, AL – The Fairhope Inn, a landmark of Southern hospitality and fine dining, proudly announces the appointment of Chef Caitlin Horne as its new Executive Chef. A Fairhope native with two decades of experience along the Alabama Gulf Coast and New Orleans, LA, Horne brings a refined culinary perspective rooted in seasonality, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for her hometown.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Horne to our team,” said Paige Dawson, Owner of The Fairhope Inn. “Her creativity and commitment to highlighting the Gulf Coast’s finest ingredients perfectly align with the dining experience our guests have come to expect. She’s developed a loyal following and a reputation for cuisine that is as elegant as it is flavorful. We’re excited to share her vision with our longtime patrons and new visitors alike.”
A Local Chef with Deep Roots and Bold Vision
Born and raised in Fairhope and a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans, Chef Horne’s culinary foundation was shaped by her Southern heritage and time spent in the vibrant kitchens of the Alabama Gulf Coast and New Orleans. Combined with years of experience in coastal and creole kitchens, her approach to cooking is rooted in hospitality, freshness, and innovation.
She grew up surrounded by family traditions like gumbo after a jubilee, fresh fish from the bay, and homemade buttermilk ice cream on summer afternoons—traditions she plans to honor while introducing fresh creativity to the menu.
“I’m excited to bring new dishes to The Fairhope Inn while honoring the favorites our guests love—like our signature crab cakes and escargot—with a refined twist,” said Horne. “Expect seasonal changes, house-made pastas, scratch-made desserts, and specials inspired by the best ingredients our region has to offer. I also draw inspiration from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors—their vibrant spices and fresh elements bring depth and brightness to a menu rooted in Southern tradition. My goal is to make every visit to the Inn feel both familiar and extraordinary.”
Guests can look forward to rotating seasonal menus, weekly and daily specials, and thoughtfully paired offerings from The Fairhope Inn’s renowned Polo Bar. Every dish will highlight scratch-made components and the freshest regional flavors, reflecting Horne’s philosophy that food should celebrate both tradition and innovation.
“This is a fresh chapter for The Fairhope Inn,” said Dawson. “Chef Horne brings the best of both worlds: a deep understanding of local, Southern flavor and a bold, creative edge. Her heart is in this community, and her food tells that story beautifully.”
About The Fairhope Inn
Established in 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and awarded "Best Bed & Breakfast in Alabama, The Fairhope Inn is one of Fairhope’s most cherished landmarks. The Inn features three elegant guest suites, a charming carriage house, private event spaces, and The Polo Bar, offering craft cocktails and an extensive wine selection.
The restaurant is open for Lunch Thursday–Saturday (11 a.m.–2 p.m.), Dinner Thursday–Saturday (5:30–8:30 p.m.), and Sunday Brunch (11 a.m.–2 p.m.). Reservations are highly encouraged.
63 S. Church Street, Fairhope, AL
(251) 928-6226
www.thefairhopeinn.com
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @TheFairhopeInn
