An Alabama football legend’s post-NFL venture has grown into one of the state’s most recognizable restaurant brands, as Baumhower’s Victory Grille celebrates 45 years serving communities across Alabama.
Founded in 1981 by former University of Alabama All-American and Miami Dolphins All-Pro defensive tackle Bob Baumhower, the restaurant began as a single Tuscaloosa location introducing Buffalo-style chicken wings to Alabama diners. Over the decades, that original concept evolved into a statewide hospitality brand rooted in scratch-made food, sports culture, and community engagement.
Today, Baumhower’s Victory Grille operates multiple family-owned locations across Alabama under Aloha Hospitality Group, reflecting steady growth from its origins near Baumhower’s alma mater.
To mark the milestone anniversary, Baumhower’s is launching new promotions honoring its founding year, including a weekly “Wingsday” special featuring 81-cent wings — a nod to 1981 — along with the return of fan-favorite Alabama Hot Chicken and a value-focused “Affordable All-Stars” menu featuring scratch-made meals priced between $8.99 and $11.99.
What began as a passion project for Baumhower, who helped lead Alabama football before building a standout NFL career, has since become a staple of the state’s casual dining scene. The brand expanded steadily through the 1980s and 1990s, opening larger prototype restaurants and establishing a reputation for combining sports entertainment with high-quality food and service.
The company later adopted the Baumhower’s Victory Grille name to reflect its expanded menu and broader appeal, while maintaining its original identity as a sports-themed gathering place for Alabama families, fans, and communities.
Beyond its restaurant operations, Baumhower’s has maintained a longstanding commitment to supporting local communities across Alabama, contributing to veteran organizations, schools, churches, and charitable initiatives.
The 45-year anniversary marks a rare milestone for a homegrown Alabama restaurant brand — one that grew from a single college-town location into a statewide enterprise while remaining rooted in the leadership of its founder and home state.
For Baumhower, the anniversary represents not just longevity, but the continuation of a business built on Alabama pride, community relationships, and a vision that began more than four decades ago.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today
