When Gina and Darrin Swan first laid eyes on a nearly century-old building on downtown Dothan’s South Foster Street, they knew it had to be saved. The three-story brick building, known to locals as the old Carmichael building, had been…
Wright’s Market in Opelika began 46 years ago as a 2,100-square-foot convenience store under a different name and a different owner, but it has always been operated by a Wright. “My dad built the original store for the (previous owner)….
After growing up the daughter of a cotton farmer, Anna Yeager Brakefield’s plans involved anything but returning to the family farm. Upon graduation from Auburn University with a degree in graphic design, she got a job with an advertising agency…
Charlie and Sandra Wrape served 27 dinners on their first day of business. The year was 1973, and they had just opened a restaurant in a former bait shop on the shores of Wolf Bay in the tiny Baldwin County…
In 2012, John McElrath decided it was time to take a leap. He looked at his wife, who was holding their newborn baby, and said, “I think its time for me to quit my job and really do this.” He…
In the third quarter of this year, a 40,000-square-foot grocery store will open in Phenix City. It will be the fourth store bearing the Renfroe family name. “We’ve established a brand, so people know they can go to any of…
There’s a certain kind of power that comes from a handwritten note. Whether a note of love, thanks, sympathy or congratulations, the warmth and graciousness it exudes leaves a gentle, yet lasting impact. It’s the same way employees and customers describe…
It’s been 35 years since Brian Harsany got his first job in the restaurant industry, and he never looked back. Brian started busing tables and washing dishes in 1983 while in high school, and later went on to major in…
In a single decade, David and Andrea Snyder will have launched two dining concepts and opened six restaurants as owners. “It’s been an amazing journey,” said David, who with his wife, founded Urban Cookhouse and Farm Bowl + Juice Co….
“People ask me when I am going to retire, and I say, ‘I retired 14 years ago,’ ” said Raymond Young, owner of Mary Carter Store in Cullman. “I do this for pleasure because I enjoy it. If you enjoy something, it’s…