In the News: Southeast Health Foundation to honor owner of Jim Whaley Tires

February 11, 2025

Jim Whaley to be honored for philanthropy
(seheathfoundation.org, Jan. 29, 2025)

When Alabama Retail or its members make the news, we’ll link the articles below. Email Nancy Dennis when your store makes the news and we’ll share it!

State of Alabama prepares for annual Severe Weather Preparedness Tax-Free Holiday
(WTVM, Feb. 11, 2025)

Alabama Retail Association holds retirement celebration for PR Director Nancy Dennis
(WSFA, Feb. 10, 2025)

Alabama to observe annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday for 14th year
(Alabama Public Radio, Feb. 6, 2025)

Save on emergency supplies during Alabama’s tax-free weekend
(OBA, Feb. 2, 2025)

Katherine McRee: Leading Cahaba Heights to new heights
(Over the Mountain Journal, Jan. 22, 2025) Member since 2013

Vestavia Hills resident Christie Howell elected to Alabama Retail Association board
(Vestavia Voice, Jan. 21, 2025) Member since 2005

Dothan business owner named to Alabama Retail Association board
(WTVY, Jan. 10, 2025)  Featuring Eagle Eye Outfitters, Member since 2020; Mentions Boll Weevil Soap Co., Member since 2018, and Yancey Parker’s, Member since 1991

Bromberg’s: Combining tradition and innovation for nearly 200 years with Ricky Bromberg
(Good Neighbor Podcast, Dec. 9, 2024) Member since 1992

Kind Cafe is an Alabama mission-driven shop that puts people first, kindness always
(Alabama News Center, Dec. 2, 2024) Member since 2022

Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Iron Bowl merge into big week for BamaStuff, The Locker Room and other Tuscaloosa retailers
(The Tuscaloosa News, Nov. 25, 2024) Bama Stuff, Member since 2010

WM Grocery among companies honored at 2024 Alabama Small Business of the Year awards
(Alabama Daily News, Nov. 20, 2024) Member since 1994

Saw’s: An award-winning Alabama BBQ restaurant started by a classically-trained chef
(Tasting Table, Nov. 20, 2024) Member since 2009

Alabama toy shop owners prepare for the holiday rush
(My Economy, NPR Marketplace, Nov. 22, 2024) Fantasy Island Toys, Member since 1994

Stephanie Kennedy-Mell: COO and CMO, Church Street Family Hospitality
(Huntsville Event Magazine, Nov. 1, 2024) Member since 2014

Longtime owner of Northport’s world famous City Cafe dies at 75
(Tuscaloosa Thread, Oct. 29, 2024) Member since 2007

Bandwagon in Homewood earns Gee Emerging Retail of the Year award
(Vestavia Voice, Oct. 25, 2024)

Alabama Retail’s Alison Hosp among Troy University’s 2024 Alumni of the Year honorees
(TroyTODAY, Oct. 23, 2024)

Dressed for success: The Locker Room celebrates 60 years in business
(The Tuscaloosa News, Oct. 29, 2024) Member since 1985

Attalla’s Wills Creek Clothing wins Alabama Retailer of the Year Customers’ Choice contest
(Alabama News Center, Oct. 21, 2024)

Homewood-based Bandwagon earns Alabama Emerging Retailer title
(Alabama News Center, Oct. 13, 2024)

Alabama Retail Association honors 2024 Retailers of the Year
(Calhoun Journal, Oct. 2, 2024)

Bandwagon name Alabama Emerging Retailer of the Year
(Over the Mountain Journal, Oct. 2, 2024)

Meet your 2024 Alabama Retailers of the Year
(Bama Buzz, Oct. 1, 2024)

2024 Alabama Retailers of the Year named
(Alabama Political Reporter, Oct. 1, 2024)

Alabama Retail Association honors 2024 Retailers of the Year
(Business Alabama, Oct. 1, 2024)

Auburn’s Behind the Glass featured in East Alabama Living
(East Alabama Living, Sept. 30, 2024) Member since 1996

Bandwagon earns Alabama Emerging Retailer of the Year Award
(Homewood Star, Sept. 23, 2024)

Wills Creek Clothing receives most votes for ‘Customers’ Choice’ in Alabama Retailer of the Year contest
(Alabama Public Radio, Sept. 20, 2024)

Bernard’s Store for Men celebrates 75 years
(The Walker Leader, Sept. 19, 2024) Member since 1992

A family affair: Spanish Fort Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is Alabama Retailer of the Year
(Gulf Coast Media, Sept. 17, 2024) Member since 2006

Talk of Alabama: Epiphany Boutique
(ABC 33/40, Sept. 17 , 2024) Member since 2018

Retail Association reflects on success of Retail Theft Crime Prevention Act 1 year after implementation
(WBRC News, Sept. 17, 2024)

Church Street Family Hospitality group named Alabama’s Retailer of the Year
(WHNT News 19,  Sept. 13, 2024) Member since 2014

Two Eastern Shore restaurants among Alabama Retailers of the Year
(al.com, Sept. 11, 2024)

Fairhope’s Kind Cafe named Emerging Retailer of the Year
(Gulf Coast Media, Sept. 11, 2024) Member since 2022

Two Athens businesses earn statewide recognitions
(The News Courier, Sept. 7, 2024)

Here’s where you can visit Alabama’s Retailer of the Year in Huntsville and Athens
(al.com, Sept. 6, 2024) Featuring Church Street Family Restaurant & Hospitality Group, Member since 2014

ChurchStreet Family Restaurant & Hospitality Group honored as Alabama Retailer of the Year
(WAFF 48, Sept. 6, 2024)

Huntsville’s ChurchStreet Family Group an Alabama top retailer
(256 TODAY, Sept. 6, 2024)

ChurchStreet Family named Alabama’s top retailer
(Fox54, Sept. 6, 2024)

ChurchStreet Family Restaurant & Hospitality Group honored as Alabama Retailer of the Year
(Huntsville Business Journal, Sept. 6, 2024)

Epiphany Boutiques in Athens, Madison named Alabama Retailer of the Year
(256 TODAY, Sept. 5, 2024) Featuring Epiphany Boutiques, Member since 2018

Epiphany Boutiques in Athens + Madison named Retailer of the Year
(Hville Blast, Sept. 5, 2024)

11 Alabama restaurant chains that began as mom-and-pop shops
(al.com, Aug. 7, 2024) Featuring members Guthries, Sneaky Pete’s, Taco Casa, Taco Mama and Urban Cookhouse 

Anniston’s Music City Bagels to relocate to Oxford in 2025
(WIAT, Aug. 2, 2024) Member since 2022

Three Mountain Brook businesses up for Alabama Retailer of the Year Customer’s Choice Award
(Village Living, July 29, 2024)

Three Homewood businesses up for Alabama Retailer of the Year Customer’s Choice Award
(Homewood Star, July 29, 2024)

Central Alabama Business Break with Bradley’s Market in Tuscaloosa
(WBRC, July 25, 2024) Member since 2019

Seeking joy with Kathy D’Agostino of Chocolatá
(The Localist Podcast, July 24, 2024) Member since 2022

Guncles earns spot on USA Today’s Readers’ Choice ballot for 2024’s Best Gluten-Free Bakery
(Visit Mobile, July 24, 2024) Member since 2019

Food hall brings Fairhope’s Panini Pete’s back to Mobile with 3 new restaurants
(Gulf Coast Media, July 22, 2024) Featuring Parc Le Tralour Food Hall and Event Center, Member since June 2023

Fifty Zoghby’s Uniforms staff members on hand at Mobile and Daphne stores during sales tax holiday
(WALA, Fox 10 News, July 19, 2024) Member since 2002

Capitol Journal: Alabama Retail Association and The Locker Room in Montgomery talk about the upcoming sales tax holiday (go to 46:43)
(Alabama Daily News, July 12, 2024) Member since 1993

Melissa Cross, Mobile Chamber board chair, dives into leadership, small business advice during podcast
(Mobile Matters Podcast, July 10, 2024) Featuring McAleer’s Office Furniture, Member since 2020

It’s about the experience: Award-winning caterer Kathy G. Mezrano is perfectly at home entertaining
(Over the Mountain Journal, July 9, 2024) Featuring Kathy G. & Co. Inc., Member since 1995

Five Vestavia Hills businesses nominated for 2024 Alabama Retailer of Year
(Vestavia Voice, July 2, 2024)

Lowe’s awards Montgomery’s Friendship Mission with $120,000 grant
(WAKA, June 26, 2024) Member since 2004

  • WSFA, June 27, 2024

On the Exchange: Alabama retail experiencing change in 2024
(Troy Public Radio, June 26, 2024)

Alabama Retail Association says new retail theft law effective so far
(WBRC, June 26, 2024)

Cupcakes anyone? Gigi’s Cupcakes officially opens inside Chappy’s Deli in Prattville
(Elmore/Autauga News, June 26, 2024) Member since 2023

Farm-to-table tortillas at Rooster’s in Mobile
(Simply Southern TV, June 24, 2024) Member since 2018

Gadsden bakery re-opens two days after driver crashed into business
(The Gadsden Times, June 18, 2024) Featuring Cothran’s Bakery, Member Since 2011

Support local makers and artists at Alabama Goods
(Simply Southern TV, June 17, 2024) Member since 2013

A quick trip to Little Hardware, a Birmingham classic
(Hardware Building Supply Dealer, June 6, 2024) Member since 1994

Half a century tending to plants and customers
(Village Living, June 4, 2024) Featuring Leaf & Petal, Member since 1993

Buddy’s Rib and Steak to close after nearly 50 years in Northport
(Tuscaloosa News, June 4, 2024) Member since 2010

Multiple Homewood retailers are nominees for 2024 Retailer of the Year
(Homewood Star, May 31, 2024)

Multiple Mountain Brook retailers are nominees for 2024 Retailer of the Year
(Village Living, May 31, 2024)

Lucy’s Toys in Calhoun County destroyed in fire, looking to rebuild (Video) | Story
(CBS 42, May 31, 2024) Member since 1995

Baldwin County Classics: How Ed’s Seafood Shed rebuilt after a devastating fire to flourish in Spanish Fort
(Gulf Coast Media, May 23, 2024) Member since 2000

In the Kitchen: Punta Clara Kitchen reveals secrets of its candied jalapenos
(Fox10 News, May 17, 2024)

Vestavia Chamber features Katherine McRee of the The Lili Pad
(Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, May 10, 2024)

The tiny Alabama town with one of the freshest meat-and-threes around
(al.com, May 9, 2024) Featuring Orrville Farmers Market, Member since 2022

Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru now open to serve in Rainsville
(Times-Journal, May 8, 2024) Member since April 2024

SweetCreek Farm Market hosts Spring Chicken Fest
(WSFA, May 5, 2024) Member since 2016

Spring Chicken Festival celebrated in Pike Road
(WAKA, May 5, 2024)

Alabama Retail members featured in Eastern Shore magazine
(Eastern Shore Magazine, May 3, 2024) Featuring Manci’s Antiques Club, Page 36; M&F Casuals, Page 42; JBT Power, Page 67

Small Business Spotlight: A Conversation with the Church Street Family
(Huntsville Business Journal, May 1, 2024) Member since 2014

For the love of chocolate
(Vie Magazine, May issue) Featuring Chocolata, Member since 2022

Food for Thought examines Pourhouse and Church Street Wind Shoppe
(Rocket City Now, April 29, 2024) Member since 2014

Wawa opens Fairhope store, first of three stores planned for Alabama
(Convenience Store News, April 26, 2024) Member since 2022

Hibbett Sports to be acquired by British sports fashion company in $1.1 billion deal
(WBRC, April 23, 2024) Member since 1986

A sweet detour: Point Clear candy shop sells treats and the family’s 100-year-old recipes
(Gulf Coast Media, April 20, 2024) Member since 2012

Callaghan’s named a top dive bar by Southern Living
(Bay Business News, April 19, 2024) Member since 2005

Dothan’s KBC pastry chef competes in cooking competition show in Paris
(WDHN, April 11, 2024) Featuring KBC, Member since 2014

Duo behind Tuscaloosa’s Jalapeños restaurants open South’s largest tequila bar
(Tuscaloosa Thread, April 11, 2024) Featuring Jalapeños Mexican Grill, Member since 2005

Italian fine dining restaurant opening this month in Tuscaloosa
(al.com, April 11, 2024) Featuring Sugo Italian Restaurant, Member since March 1

Premier Entertainment Group among finalists for 2024 Dothan Small Business Person of the Year Award
(WTVY, April 11, 2024) Member since 2023

Dixie Duds and Décor celebrates grand reopening
(The Cullman Tribune, April 2, 2024) Member since 2019

Business Happenings: Michael Gee is 2024 Alabama Retail Association board chairman
(Hoover Sun, March 29, 2024)

The Cook Store celebrates 25 years with Wesley Powell Lassen as owner
(Village Living, March 29, 2024) Member since 2009

Kelsey Bernard Clark competes with Moms team in Guy’s Grocery Games’ Relay: Ultimate Face-Off
(Food Network, March 27, 2024) | Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark | Featuring KBC, Member since 2014

Montgomery restaurant owners frustrated after string of break-ins
(WSFA, March 25, 2024)

Vintage Year celebrates 40 years
(WSFA, March 22, 2024) Member since 2023

Punta Clara Kitchen has chocolate bunnies, bonnets and eggs as well as panorama eggs and cakes for Easter
(Fox 10 TV, March 21, 2024)

Alabama Small Business Development Center features Kind Kups during SBDC Day
(Alabama Small Business Development Center Network, March 20, 2024)

Alabama Goods is hit for anyone who wants to support local makers and artists
(Simply Southern TV, March 18, 2024)

15 best roadside restaurants in the South
(Southern Living, March 4, 2024) Featuring Bates House of Turkey, Member since 2009

Same two families have operated Montgomery, Alabama’s Bishop-Parker Furniture for 100 years
(Alabama News Center, March 3, 2024) Member since 2015

Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes finalist for Business Alabama Small Company of the Year
(Business Alabama, March 1, 2024)

Alabama’s Kelsey Barnard Clark part of the All-Star Moms vs. Dads relay on Wednesday night’s Guy’s Grocery Games
(foodnetwork.com, Feb. 27, 2024) Featuring KBC, Member since 2014

Dalton Pharmacy family members have been pharmacists in Alabama for four generations
(Alabama News Center, Feb. 25, 2024) Member since 2013

All in the Family: Nearly 75 years since its founding, The Pants Store is evolving under third-generation owners
(Over the Mountain Journal, Feb. 21, 2024) Member since 1992

Severe weather sales tax holiday is this weekend
(Alabama Public Radio, Feb. 21, 2024)

FOOD & WINE: Our favorite places to eat, sleep and explore in Birmingham
(Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Feb. 12, 2024) Featuring members Saw’s and Cahaba Brewing Co.

Tuscaloosa restaurant owner Rolf Meyer loses family home in fire
(Tuscaloosa News, Feb. 2, 2024) Member since 2019

Kelsey Barnard Clark of KBC in Dothan and Arwen Rice of Red or White in Mobile are James Beard Awards semifinalists for Best Chef: South
(al.com, Jan. 24, 2024) Featuring KBC, Member since 2014; and Red or White, Member since 2008

BuzzCatz chef Ashbury offers kid-friendly king cake recipe – no yeast required
(Gulf Coast Media, Jan. 25, 2024) Member since 2016

The menu of Mardi Gras: Sweet and savory seasonal culinary delights abound in Baldwin County
(Gulf Coast Media, Jan. 25, 2024) Featuring Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream, Member since 2002; Ed’s Seafood Shed, Member since 2000: and Market by the Bay, Member since 2023

All in the Family: Tradition Means a Lot to 2024 Krewe King Ricky Bromberg
(Over the Mountain Journal, Jan. 24, 2024) Featuring Bromberg’s, Member since 1992

The Gee’s Bend x Target collection is now available in stores + online
(Bama Buzz, Jan. 24, 2024) Member since 2004

Jodie Stanfield is an Alabama Retail Association officer
(Gadsden Messenger, Jan. 20, 2024) Featuring Local Joe’s, Member since 2017

New Avenue Pub now open in north Tuscaloosa as restaurant celebrates 10th anniversary
(Tuscaloosa Thread, Jan. 19, 2024) Member since 2014

Six Valentine’s Day gifts for him from Tennessee Valley stores
(Tennessee Valley Living, Jan. 17, 2024) Featuring Holtz Leather Co., Member since 2018; Terramé Day Spa & Salon, Member since 2003; Cotton Row, Member since 2010; and Roosevelt & Co., Member since 2016

Pants Store: The history behind the Alabama clothing store
(Soul Grown, Jan. 15, 2024) Member since 1992

Alabama Retail names 2024 officers and directors
(Alabama Political Reporter, Jan. 15, 2024)

Wrapping Up Happiness
(Hoover’s Magazine, Jan. 15, 2024) Featuring Wrapsody, Member since 2005

Two Enterprise business owners named to Alabama Retail Association directors
(Enterprise Ledger, Jan. 15, 2024) Featuring Yancy Parker Lifestyles Inc., Member since 2000,  and Boll Weevil Soap Co., Member since 2018

Check out 7 of the best sandwich spots in Alabama
(Alabama News Center, Jan. 14, 2024) Featuring Meat Boss; Panini Pete’s Cafe and Market; and Rama Jama’s

Alabama Retail Association endorses statewide candidates
(Yellowhammer, Jan. 11, 2024)

Mandy Henry, owner of Selma’s Queen City Market, joins Alabama Retail Association Board
(Selma Sun, Jan. 9, 2024)

BOLD LEADERSHIP: A tireless advocate for the Mobile Chamber, 2024 Chairman Melissa Cross takes the reins
(The Business View, Jan. 8, 2024) Featuring McAleer’s Office Furniture, Member since 2020

Tuc and Reese Wilson carry on their father’s legacy at Saw’s BBQ in Alabama
(Alabama News Center, Jan. 5, 2024) Member since 2009

Brighten your winter wardrobe with these colorful sweaters from Epiphany Boutique
(Tennessee Valley Living, Jan. 5, 2024) Member since 2018

Southern Living says this Alabama restaurant is one of South’s most legendary
(al.com, Jan. 5, 2024) Featuring Trowbridge’s, Member since 1994

Top Chef‘s Kelsey Barnard Clark on how to be an imperfect host
(Garden & Gun, Jan 4, 2024) Featuring KBC, Member since 2014

Ashley McMakin and her team bring favorite dishes from Ashley Mac’s Kitchen to yours
(Alabama News Center, Jan. 2, 2024) Member since 2010