CULLMAN – Annette Harris, owner and president of Rumors Deli Inc. in Cullman, is now a two-time Alabama Retailer of the Year. Today, Harris received the bronze award in the Annual Sales Less Than $1 Million category during the Alabama Retail Day awards luncheon. Rumors Deli was one of 13 retail businesses honored as Retailers of the Year. This year’s winners came from a pool of almost 100 nominees.

“I love what I do. And I love watching people enjoy the food that we fix,” said Harris. Rumors Deli is a local favorite, famous for its steamed sandwiches with names like “The Tattletale,” “Mouth of the South” and “The Hearsay,” it also offers a variety of salads, wraps, paninis, desserts and breakfast items.

Harris’ infectious passion for her restaurant, community, employees and community was noted by the 2018 Retailer of the Year judges. “You can feel the enthusiasm Annette brings to her business,” said one of the judges. “She is excited about everything that has to do with Rumors and her hometown of Cullman.”

Rumors Deli, which has been in business for 18 years, moved to a new location in Cullman in April of this year. The judges noted that the successful move to a renovated location was impressive, including the addition of new menu items, a pick-up window, added parking, expanded seating, venue rentals and retail offerings.

Cindy Barton, a customer and former employee who nominated Harris for the award, said, “Rumors has the friendliest staff; they make you feel at home. Annette is such a positive person and always has a huge smile on her face.”

Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce President Leah Bolin, who recommended Harris for the award, said, “I have seen her with her employees. It’s not just about providing a job. It’s about investing in their lives and investing in the community. Whatever the calling, Annette is always willing to step up and do her part. Not just as a business owner, but as a citizen of the community.”

The Alabama Retail Association presented Harris with the award at its Retail Day luncheon in Birmingham. Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors, Slappey Communications and the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business were the luncheon sponsors.

“Annette Harris is a retailer of the year EVERY year to Rumors Deli customers, her 15 employees and the Cullman community,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown.

 

Full list of this year’s Retailers of the Year
Previous Retailers of the Year

 

The Alabama Retail Association represents retailers, the largest private employer in the state of Alabama, before the Alabama Legislature and the U.S. Congress. Through sales of food, clothing, furniture, medicine and more, our 4,200 independent merchant and national company members touch almost every aspect of daily living. Since 1943, we’ve worked to promote what’s best for the retail industry in Alabama. Whether voicing the retail view when public policy is made, educating members about issues that impact them, negotiating rates for benefits and services or communicating the retail story, the Alabama Retail Association and its members are better together.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Annette Harris, Rumors Deli Inc. | 256.737.0911
Melissa Warnke, Alabama Retail Association | 256.338.0621 | 800.239.5423
Nancy Dennis, Alabama Retail Association | 334.551.0643 | 800.239.5423