National AJ Day

History of National AJ Day

A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar founded National A.J. Day in 2019. They have been serving cold Gulf Coast oysters since 1984.

A.J’s Seafood and Oyster Bar started out as a popular hang-out spot in the Destin Harbor. They were known for their fresh oysters and cold beer. The food place has since grown into an iconic ‘hot spot.’ They have been very successful and have branched to four locations along Florida’s Emerald Coast, serving the freshest seafood, best live music, and most exciting water activities in the Destin area.

The four venues reflect the neighborly vibe in which they are situated. Each has a unique atmosphere and personality but they all share the common goal of serving the best live music, the freshest seafood, the yummiest raw oysters, and the coldest beer along Florida’s coast.

The original location is at Destin Harbor. A.J’s Oyster Shanty is on Okaloosa Island, A.J’s on the Bayou is located at the base of the Cinco Bayou Bridge in Fort Walton Beach, and A.J’s Grayton Beach is in Grayton Beach. A.J’s Grayton Beach is the newest location in the A.J family and was voted one of 30A’s Hottest Spots for Live Music.

A.J’s Seafood and Oyster Bar also hosts tournaments such as the Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo as well as runs A.J’s Water Adventures which offers daytime dolphin cruises, sunset dolphin cruises, sunset sailing cruises, snorkeling, and more.

National AJ Day timeline

1984

A.J's Seafood and Oyster Bar Opens

Alan Laird opens the first A.J's Seafood and Oyster Bar.

1989

A Change of Location

The restaurant is shifted "down the hill" to the west end of the harbor five years later.

2019

National A.J's Day is Founded

A.J's Seafood and Oyster Bar creates National A.J's Day on September 27, 2019.

2020

A Leader in the Restaurant Industry

Alan Laird is ranked number 37 out of 500 submissions in the category for “Most Influential Restaurant Executives in the Country” on its “Power List 2020.”

2021

Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo

The 73rd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place.

National AJ Day FAQs

When is National AJ Day?

National AJ Day 2026 falls on Sunday, September 27, offering a perfect weekend opportunity for celebrations. It’s a day dedicated to everyone named A.J., encouraging fun and recognition.

What does A.J. stand for?

A.J. is most commonly an abbreviation for a first and middle name combination, such as Andrew James, Anthony John, or Amelia Jane. It can also be a standalone given name, offering versatility and a modern feel.

Who founded National AJ Day?

National AJ Day was founded by A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in 2019. The popular restaurant chain established the day as an annual celebration for all individuals named A.J., complete with specials and giveaways.

How is National AJ Day celebrated?

Celebrations for National AJ Day often involve special promotions at restaurants and bars, particularly at A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. Individuals named A.J. can enjoy discounts, personalized gifts, and recognition from friends and family.

National AJ Day Activities

Have fun with people named A.J.

There are probably no holidays that are specially dedicated to a certain name. So, if you have an A.J. in your life, this is the day to take them out and celebrate!

Go fishing

While the ideal choice would be to drop by at A.J.'s Seafood and Oyster Bar and enjoy some fresh seafood, don’t be disappointed if you can’t go there for some reason. You could plan a fishing trip with your loved ones and simply catch your lunch.

Recreate one of A.J.'s Seafood and Oyster Bar meals

In case you’re looking at spending the day at home and using your cooking chops, then don’t worry. Just take a look at A.J's Seafood and Oyster Bar’s menu and recreate a dish to celebrate National A.J's Day.

5 Facts About Oysters

Oysters can change their gender

During their lives, oysters change their sex usually starting as males and then ending as females.

Pearls don’t only come from oysters

Pearls can also come from freshwater mussels.

We’ve been cultivating oysters for eons

Humans have been cultivating oysters since the times of the Roman Empire and eating them since prehistoric times.

Oysters get their flavors from their environments

Due to the amount of water that oysters filter, they develop a flavor profile from their environment.

Oysters are rich in nutrients

Oysters are rich in nutrients like vitamins, zinc, calcium, magnesium, protein, selenium, and vitamin A; they also contain high levels of vitamin B12, iron, and monounsaturated fat.

Why We Love National AJ Day

It's a fun, quirky day to celebrate

Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones whose name is A.J. Even if you’re not, who is stopping you from putting on a "Hello My Name is A.J." t-shirt and having some fun?

It’s the perfect excuse to hang out at A.J's Seafood and Oyster Bar

You don’t ‘have to’ have an ‘A.J connection’ to enjoy this day. Spending time with your loved ones while relishing seafood and live music performances at A.J's Seafood and Oyster Bar is the best thing you can do today.

Supporting local businesses and tourism is cool

A.J's Seafood and Oyster Bar is a hit with both locals and non-locals. Instead of going to the same old fast food outlet, supporting a local business can truly help the community thrive.