Real-Axe-Ing

Sport finds new home in Pell City

Story by Roxann Edsall
Photos by Mackenzie Free

He sights his target at the end of the alley, some 12 feet away. Picking up the axe, he loosens his grip slightly to allow a perfectly timed release. Keeping his eye on the prize, he pulls the axe back, steps quickly forward and releases his throw. The resulting sound of axe blade meeting wood brings a smile to the thrower. This is the sport of axe throwing, and that thrower could be you.

Brand new to Pell City, Logan Martin Axe Throwing may be the new perfect date night activity for your next Saturday night. Or it may be a great option for your next birthday party or group event. They even offer discounts for groups of thirty or more.

Axe throwing is nothing new, but really gained recognition as a sport due to competitions involving logging camps. By the mid-1900s, logger sports were gaining in popularity as loggers looked for ways to entertain themselves while living in camps for months at a time. 

Less than a century later, the urban version of the sport of axe throwing is becoming wildly popular around the world. There are even international leagues like the World Axe Throwing League and the International Axe Throwing Federation for competition level players.

“We’re not part of any league; it’s just for fun for groups, date nights and for families. The reason I wanted to open a place here is that my wife and friends and I had to drive to Trussville, Birmingham or Gadsden to enjoy the sport,” explains owner Zayne Ferguson. “Especially now, with the price of gas, it’s nice not to have to drive far. My brother and I always threw hatchets at trees growing up. It’s a lot of fun!”

Ferguson shows just how easy it is to hit the target.

His new venture shares the space with the CrossFit gym he opened in 2020. A competitive powerlifter for five years, he left his job at a local paint store to open a gym in a storefront on U.S. 231.

“Fitness is my passion,” he says, “especially CrossFit.” So, he got certified as a coach and called his business CrossFit231. He quickly outgrew that space and rented the current 8,000-square-foot warehouse building on Cogswell Avenue. He moved into the space in July and quickly realized he had room to start his own axe throwing business inside the gym.

“I was at a birthday party at an axe throwing business in Birmingham. I did the math and calculated startup and operations costs,” Zayne explains. “Then I went to work making it happen.” He admits he probably works more now, but enjoys it much more.

Zayne grew up in St. Clair County, graduated from Pell City High School, played football for a Mississippi college, then returned to his hometown. He and his wife, Irish, enjoy living in the Pell City area.

His extended family has a sawmill in Cook Springs, which is a big help in getting the wood for the targets. They have to be replaced every week or two as the wood wears out from the repetitive strikes of the axe blades. He says using poplar or pine is best.

As expected, the targets have the usual rings and bullseye, but there’s also something perhaps unexpected to the new thrower. At the top of the targets are two blue dots. A strike between those two dots, referred to as “the clutch,” represents extra skill and comes with extra points.

The axes here are a much lighter version than typical throwing axes. Whereas competition axes weigh over two pounds and have long, wooden handles, those at Logan Martin Axe Throwing are under a pound and are made of high-carbon steel. This allows the thrower to easily utilize a one-handed throw style.

“I did extensive research on this,” adds Zayne. “Most places use axes that have a rubber grip, which can make it harder to release right. I purchased lighter, more throwing-sized axes.”

While people are waiting for their turn in the throwing stalls, they can enjoy a quick game of cornhole or giant Jenga. “We want it to feel like we’re just hanging in the backyard having fun,” Zayne says. “That’s what I always shoot for.”

To add even more to the atmosphere, they’re scheduling live music as often as they can. Local food trucks will be set up outside the rollup doors to enable patrons to enjoy a full evening of entertainment.

Every group will receive safety training from one of the coaches or “Axe Masters,” as they are called here. Closed-toe shoes are a must and the minimum age to throw is 10 years old.

Logan Martin Axe Throwing just opened a month ago and are already booking weeks out. They are open Saturdays from 1 to 11 p.m. and additional times for group reservations.

Online pre-booking is highly recommended. Individual throwers pay $25 plus tax for an hour. l

Editor’s note: You can book your axe throwing experience at loganmartinaxe.com.

Top-Ten Showing

Pell City ranks ninth in growth

Story and photos
by Carol Pappas

It has been little more than a year since the U.S. Census Bureau released its 10-year data report on the nation’s people and economy. And one year out, statistics show Pell City has reason to celebrate.

Ranking the population growth of Alabama’s cities, Pell City came in as the ninth-fastest growing city in the state. No.1 was Foley in Baldwin County, and 10th was Fairhope.

In its report of fastest growth between 2020 and 2021, Pell City showed a 2.7 percent jump in population. And while that’s welcoming economic news for the city, it’s not surprising, according to City Manager Brian Muenger.

Vulcan Tire and Automotive coming soon to Pell City

“For the last several years, we have experienced extremely high volume” of new home construction, he said. In fiscal year 2021, the city issued 214 new home permits. This year, the number already issued stands at more than 100, and there are still several months left to go. Over a three-year period, that adds up to 500 new homes – “well beyond anything we have seen,” Muenger said.

In years prior, the average was “strong and steady” at about 50 to 60 new homes a year, he added.

He attributes what some may see as a sudden boom to years in the making. It takes time to move a new development through the permitting and legal stages and into the construction phase. When historically low interest rates intersected with high demand for new housing, it was a “perfect storm” for developers.

He pointed to developments in Horizons and Fox Hollow that has attracted new construction firms with national-level reputations coming into the area alongside local contractors, as well as a “steady influx” of lake-property seekers and buyers as contributing to the growth.

And that’s just inside the city limits. Residential growth’s impact on the economy includes areas on the “cusp” of the border as well as growth on the Talladega County side of Logan Martin Lake. Those areas do business in the city. “Even if it’s not in Pell City, there is a lot going on right around us that is attractive to new investment,” Muenger explained.

Signs of that attraction are already taking shape. Vulcan Tire and Fort McClellan Credit Union are going up on opposite corners of U.S. 231 and Alabama 34/19th Street. Strip centers at Publix are building out. Freddy’s Steakburgers has opened in Bankhead Crossings development near Walmart, and other property is expected to be developed near Buffalo Wild Wings.

Starbucks and Jersey Mikes already drawing new business in Pell City

Just across Interstate 20 at U.S. 231 and John Haynes Drive, newly opened Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s are going strong. In that same complex, construction is moving along on a sit-down restaurant called The St. Clair.

Muenger noted that Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s are “doing incredibly well already.” It is an encouraging sign that what people in the area said they wanted, literally came and in turn, the people are supporting it. “It is testament to our retail capacity.”

Muenger sees it all as a win-win-win. It was the former location of a single business – Hardee’s – which served the community well for many years. But in its place, three businesses will be generating revenue, jobs and filling needs the community identified.

Of late, much focus is on the property just a few hundred yards away on John Haynes Drive. St. Clair’s old hospital has been demolished to make way for a much-anticipated retail center, which will include Hobby Lobby, T.J. Maxx and other nationally known retailers. Trees are being cleared to make way for grading – a welcome sign of progress to passersby and to those involved in the project.

The property, owned by the city, is under contract to be purchased by a Chattanooga-based development company. Final legal requirements of the deal are fulfilled, and officials were awaiting the appraisal and closing in mid-July.

Tree removal began in early July, and traffic-control improvements are underway to accommodate the extra traffic expected in that area. Signals at John Haynes Drive and nearby Jeanne Pruett Drive will be upgraded and timed with signals at Vaughan Drive and Walmart to support better traffic flow through the entire area of U.S. 231 around those developments. Eventually, three lanes will be a part of John Haynes Drive to ease congestion.

“It’s very quickly heading toward something tangible that people can see,” Muenger said, “and that’s very exciting.”

B Photo, Supplies and Framing

Latest business to call Pell City home

Story and photos
by Carol Pappas

orld of professional photography, John and Gale Kirkpatrick are opening a second location for B Photo Supplies and Framing near Cropwell Commons on Stemley Bridge Road in Pell City.

The heavily traveled thoroughfare, also known as Alabama 34, fronts the new store on the curve just a few hundred yards from U.S. 231 South.

In October, the Leeds couple opened its first store in Hoover’s Lee Branch and within a few days had secured a lease-purchase agreement for the Pell City location, formerly housing Well Way, which moved to a new location.

The Kirkpatricks readily admit that their business plan is constantly evolving – an effort to meet the needs and demands of the photography industry. They have capitalized on opportunities when they saw them, and they are filling niches previously underserved.

Photography supplies and more

Within the space, you will find a photography studio on one end with a number of backdrops and sets designed for professional photographers to hold sessions without having to fund and maintain their own space. A retail store of photographic equipment and supplies not available in this part of the state occupies another portion of the building. And custom framing, also not available in the area, is prominently featured.

Their building also provides two short-term-lease office spaces, available for business people to meet their clients in a professional setting. They may need office space only a few hours a month, and the Kirkpatricks are providing those kinds of opportunities.

In their own business, high-end products for lighting, bags, straps, umbrella and backdrop stands, tripods and lenses are among the offerings for photographers. “Photography is a tough market,” Kirkpatrick said. “We wanted to level the playing field” by offering studio space, equipment, reception and back-office support, if needed.

Top names like Savage, Godox, Sirui, Peak Design, Superior and Geekoto lead its photography equipment offerings – equipment not found in this part of Alabama.

The Kirkpatricks know firsthand the struggles of the photography business. They started out as wedding and event photographers in 2003 in addition to their ‘day jobs’ at Briarwood Christian School. The photography business grew rapidly, and they opened their first studio in 2006 in the Birmingham area.

It did very well until 2009, Kirkpatrick said, which was in the midst of the Great Recession. Photography is a luxury item, he said, and they scaled down significantly through that financial crisis.

They kept all their equipment, though, weathered COVID setbacks and delays and then invested in all the inventory when Perry Computer and Camera closed its doors in Birmingham, leaving only a couple of photography suppliers located hours away.

They have added custom framing, a natural fit for the photography business but yet another need for the general public.

As any good entrepreneur will tell you. Find a need and fill it. That’s exactly what the Kirkpatricks are doing. Their investment in Perry’s photography inventory led to the Lee Branch studio opening – already thriving – and now the Pell City expansion with its early indications of great potential.

“We made the investment, so they won’t have to,” Kirkpatrick added. “We want to serve the community because there is a need.”

New development thriving in Cropwell

Story by Eryn Ellard
Photos by Graham Hadley

Jay Patel’s story is a classic American success tale. With roots in India, he immigrated at the age of 28 to make his way in the world. His latest business venture in Cropwell is proof that his American dream, built out of the beliefs in work and service he learned in India, is coming true.

A new 9,500-square-foot complex is up and coming on U.S. 231 near Rabbit Branch, and within it, Isabella’s Mexican Cantina is now open for business, along with a new gas station, an impressive bait and tackle selection, soon-to-be liquor store and a “meat and three” lunch spot.

Isabella’s features high ceilings, contemporary art and lighting, as well as inside and outside seating and is quickly becoming a lake community destination spot. The restaurant is also gaining recognition for its trendy menu options, as well as a colorful bar, offering dozens of unique cocktails for any connoisseur’s taste.

Patel has made a career working in retail and is an immigrant from Gugjarat, India, home to Mahatma Gandhi, India’s heralded civil rights leader, as well as many prime ministers of India.  Patel now owns four retail stores and one sit-down restaurant from Cropwell to Ragland and all the way to Clanton. The new complex is his biggest business venture yet, and he has a far-reaching vision for it. In total, the new complex sits on 26 acres first purchased in 2020.

Soon, Patel said, the store, also known as Jaybo’s, after his young son, will also offer lunch service, buffet style, with a meat and three menu that changes daily.

 “I have found the hot bar is very popular with my customers from my other stores,” Patel said. “It is just one of many ways we aim to serve the community.”

Once the first phase of the project is complete, Patel plans to embark on the second phase on the property, which will include a startup of 100 units of boat storage, as well as residential community of two bedroom-duplexes with garage for rent.

“I lived in an apartment in town for many years,” Patel said. “I did not like it – the maintenance was not good, and there were some not-so-pleasant experiences. I knew I wanted to build a new, clean and properly maintained place for renters to live.”

There are still several more avenues Patel is exploring to complete the sprawling acreage. From recruiting other new businesses and retail shops to the addition of another restaurant, Patel said there are other developments in store for the property.

Patel already employs 14 employees across all his stores, and he does plan to hire more people as the need arises.

Heather Hare, an employee and close friend of the Patel family for years, said she could not ask for a better job or boss. “He is such a hard worker, but an even bigger family man,” Hare said. “It is instilled in his Indian culture that family should always come first, followed by hard work and service, and I have been welcomed by Jay and his family and also learned so much over the years.”

Patel added that he was taught as a young boy in India the importance of hard work and dedication to work. “Our culture is that our children see and learn from our hard work, we mold our children’s work ethic and drive to be successful,” Patel said. “But we also do not groom our children to one day take over for us – but to instead start over with their own businesses or become a doctor or whatever their passion is, so long as it includes service to others.”

Nichols Nook

Another special reason to shop Springville

Story by Roxann Edsall
Photos by Mackenzie Free

Walking through the massive, original wood doors, you are immediately greeted by Beth or Scott as if you were an old friend just returning from a long trip away. They do seem to know most people who walk in; but even if you’re a stranger, you’ll soon become a new “old friend.”

“I fell in love with the place the first time I came,” says regular Renee Wood. “Beth is so sweet. She remembers every little thing about you. She’s caring and goes beyond anything you would expect.”

Wood just found out about the place in October but has been coming to Nichols Nook in Springville every Friday since then. “I look forward to it all week,” she says. “I’m off on Fridays, so we meet my brother-in-law and his wife here and catch up, then go play pickleball.”

Today they are working through the recent loss of her mother-in-law. As they reminisce about her, the coffee shop co-owner, Beth, walks up and joins the conversation. Intently listening, Beth suggests the Nook host a celebration of life for her and in minutes has it all planned out.

Beth and Scott Walker opened Nichols Nook in 2016 after dreaming of what the vacant storefront could be. Scott had visited it many times as a child when it was a TV and stereo shop. It had been many things since then, most recently an interior design shop. Avid walkers, they would walk past the building and comment about all the things “someone” could do with the building. Then it occurred to them that they could be that someone. They began to think about opening a bookstore in the space.

There are many spaces, indoor and out, where patrons can relax.

They got in touch with the landlord, and she liked the idea. Still, they were not convinced they could do it. So, the landlord gave them the key to the building for a couple of weeks. “We would come in here and just sit and pray. We were asking for a specific vision and direction,” Beth says. “We had a general vision,” echoes Scott. “But it’s definitely been organic. It’s changed and evolved a lot.”

Built in 1892, not long after the city was incorporated, the building had been preserved and renovated by the previous owner. Marian Brasher, the building’s current owner, was adamant that she wanted something locally owned that would bring life to the area. The Nook, as locals call it, has become that place. Originally opening as a bookstore and gift shop that offered coffee, it has evolved into a true community gathering spot with full barista service.

In addition to serving a variety of coffee drinks and baked goods, they are a gift store, reading nook, community gathering spot and event venue. They host book clubs, birthday parties, anniversary and graduation events and wedding parties inside and in their two hidden courtyards.

But, Beth says, they don’t want to just rent the space. They want to be able to add to the memories. “The space lends itself very well to being a comfortable inviting space to gather,” explains Beth. “But it’s more about the experience. We learn bits about the honoree so that we can add small personal touches that make it special.”

The key for the Walkers is a focus on community. “We get to know people, and they get to know each other,” says Beth. “We want to be a part of their community. There’s so much going on that it’s important for people to come in and leave the world behind, even if just for a few minutes.”

Many people have walked in for a quick cup of coffee and ended up staying for the fellowship. Some have even become close friends and employees. Loretta came over after work from the kids program she was running at the Methodist church across the street. She now works for them part time for free. She just loves talking to people.

Then there’s Carol, who, Beth says, just walked in one day and said, “I just know I’m supposed to work here.” And now she does. And Bob, an 82-year-old mobile mechanic, who used to have his own coffee shop in Gulf Shores before it was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, is a faithful customer and mentor. “He’s a great supporter. He comes in, meets people and talks to them. He’s part of what makes this what it is,” adds Scott.

Then there’s Susan, or “precious Susan,” as Beth calls her. She was taking a sabbatical from nursing and came into the coffee shop with her daughter. This was just a few days after they had opened. She immediately hit it off with Beth and Scott and ended up working for them. “I never did go back to nursing,” says Susan. “We have just enjoyed this journey together. It works because they care about the community.”

It’s not a stretch to care about the community that has been so much a part of Scott’s life. A graduate of Springville High School, he is a third-generation business owner in his hometown. His aunt and uncle, “Ma” and Lee Laster, opened the Laster’s Soda Shop and Pharmacy in 1927. When they passed, his aunt, Ovada Burtram, ran it until the late 1980s, when it was sold.

One of the outdoor Nooks

His great-grandfather, Pink Simmons, ran the Simmons Motor Company in Springville. Pictures from these old businesses hang over the couch, an heirloom from his grandmother, in one of the coffee shop’s reading nooks. The couch, itself, has a bit of history to it. Purchased from Bromberg’s in Birmingham in the late 30s or early 40s, it survived being hit by a truck that ran through his grandmother’s house.

Even the name of the coffee shop celebrates family and community. Beth’s maiden name was Nichols. She lost both of her parents to cancer when they were in their 60s. Her mom, Kay Nichols, was a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in Springville. Her dad, Ron, also loved reading and had an affinity for both coffee and tea. So they came up with the name Nichols Nook to honor them. They believe it’s a place both of her parents would have enjoyed.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the business. They had to shut down in 2019 to realign and improve the business model. Just about the time they were planning to reopen, issues related to the pandemic forced their doors to remain closed. They were able to reopen in the summer of 2021, but then had to close for two months after their family struggled through COVID-19 themselves.

They credit their oldest son, 21-year-old Ben, with being a huge help in reopening the business. “He’s been key to our success,” says Scott. “We couldn’t have made it without him.” Ben adds, “It’s cool to be a part of their business, to see it grow and to see all the people we’ve met through it.”

His future plans will take him away from the family business, though. At the end of the summer, he will begin a job as a commercial pilot. His brother, 13-year-old Sam, may one day take over the barista duties. For now, says Beth, his other interests are “much cooler” than the business.

What could be “cooler” than coffee? After all, President Thomas Jefferson called coffee “the favorite drink of the civilized world.” Coffee may be the favorite drink, but Nichols Nook makes it a favorite experience.

You can find them on Main Street in Springville or on the web at Nichols-nook.business.site.

ONEeighty Church

Officials break ground on
18-acre campus in Odenville

Story and photos
by Carol Pappas

On a hilltop above Odenville a vision is rising up to meet the needs of the community and well beyond the city’s borders.

ONEeighty Church, just as the name implies, represents the degree to which lives can be turned around, and that’s the purpose of the 18 acres that hilltop overlooks. Officials have broken ground on a massive new campus near Interstate 59 on Alabama 174 at Odenville.   

The church began in a vacant Ace Hardware building in Springville as a ministry of Clear Branch United Methodist Church in 2009. Two years into it, it grew to become a standalone church. Cam Price was pastor for a year and a half before Gresh Harbuck became the pastor, and she named it ONEeighty – symbolic of turning lives around. Four years ago, it launched as non-denominational and has now grown well past its walls.

Leaders were led to build a new church and other buildings on the acreage and even though it began in Springville, Harbuck said they never viewed ONEeighty as a Springville church. “It’s a community church – one gigantic circle of owners. They take ownership in the Great Commission. Members pay dues. Owners have responsibilities and are on a mission, winning one more for Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Gresh Harbuck motions toward the hilltop where the church will grow its new home.

When they were first looking for a new home, Realtor Lyman Lovejoy envisioned the ideal place as a piece of property that wasn’t even for sale. “They won’t sell it to me, but they might sell it to you,” he remembers telling them. He is credited with approaching the owner with the idea of transforming the piece of land into a place of worship and life-changing experiences.

The owners understood the vision, too, noting that it would be the perfect legacy for their father. And the deal was done.

“Our goal is to really focus on people who never would walk into a normal church,” said Harbuck, describing it as “very contemporary,” welcoming “all walks of life” to venture through its doors.

The growth has been evident. Easter Sunday, apparently all roads led to ONEeighty Church with people attending from Argo, Odenville, Pinson, Gadsden and Springville. “We’re not an Odenville church,” Harbuck said. “We’re not a Springville church. We’re a community church. We want lukewarm Christians to turn into purpose-filled Christians who will be the hands and feet of Jesus. We want to help the hurting and the broken.”

Of the church’s approach, Harbuck explained, “This is a great place to fall in love with Jesus.” Small groups are how they disciple people, giving them a more intimate, close-knit experience. The youth group is packed with activities and is “growing by leaps and bounds.” Celebrate Recovery – one of the largest in the state – continues to make a sizable impact on addictions throughout the region. It partners with Lovelady Center, Brother Bryan and jail ministries in Ashville and Oneonta.

Celebrate Recovery, coordinated by Ministry Leader Joyce Simonson, was 300 strong before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They still feed 200 there every Friday night. “We view ourselves as recovery ministries,” said Harbuck, who once served as CR Ministry Leader himself.

Looking ahead to what that Odenville hilltop will become, Harbuck said, the new church campus will house the worship center, a sanctuary that can seat 600, lobby and children’s area in the first phase on top of the site. Second phase will be a dining hall, small group rooms and offices, and the third phase is a courtyard outside the worship area.

Beyond that, “God gives us the next steps,” Harbuck said. “We will look at the needs of Odenville. If the needs in the community change, we’ll change.

Johnny Evans and James Barker, who are active in the church and have a background in contracting, will oversee the project. Cline Construction is the builder.

“Even though we’re moving the building, it doesn’t mean the DNA changes,” Harbuck stressed. “We want to be a light to the community, helping the outcast and broken,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Lay Leader John Rich called it “a big milestone for us. This is a community church – one group, all together. This means a lot.”

And it means much to the community that surrounds it. “Thank you for your vision,” Odenville Mayor Buck Christian told those in attendance at the groundbreaking. “We’re excited to see what the future holds. The campus will be explosive” in terms of growth. “Welcome to Odenville. We are extremely excited about what this will mean to Odenville. The growth potential is unlimited.”

Harbuck agreed. “God has been blessing us and growing us.”