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.”

Pell City rolling in new restaurants and retail

Story by Linda Long
Photos by Graham Hadley and Carol Pappas

Anybody for a cup of coffee? Would that be tall, grande or venti? Maybe a shot of espresso. Perhaps a mocha, cappuccino or latte.

That’s right! Starbucks has come to town, located in the new Coosa Commons shopping center at U.S. 231 and I-20. Based on a steady stream of cars waiting in the drive through, Pell City is rolling out the red carpet.

“We just opened our lobby today,” said Savannah Crone, a Starbucks manager, a few weeks ago. “Everything is going great. The crowd has been steady, and we’ve had a lot of people here. We’re making sure everybody is enjoying their drinks and their visit. Of course, there’s always somebody in the drive-thru.”

Crone says the staff is asking for their customers’ patience. “We’re still training our employees. We have a lot of high school students, and they’re learning. We want to make sure everybody is fully trained so we can pay full attention to our customers.”

Starbucks isn’t the only new kid on this block. New eateries seem to be opening almost every week. In addition to the long-awaited Starbucks, folks may opt for subs of all kinds at Jersey Mike’s next door or taste tempting treats at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers nearby on U.S. 231 North. 

And for those who want to feel like their takeout is home-cooked, folks are flocking to Papa Murphy’s Take ’n Bake Pizza in the strip center near Publix, where owners boast fresh ingredients, including freshly made crust every day. Patrons pick up their made-to-order pizza then take it home to bake.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Jacory Calhoun, district manager. “The customers have been awesome. Very responsive. As soon as we opened, they started bombarding the store. It’s been amazing. I’m going to be honest with you, I didn’t expect to see it like that.”

Calhoun explained that Papa Murphy’s came to Pell City with a fully trained staff. “Everybody in this store is seasoned, and that’s what you want when you open your store – everybody trained and ready to roll.”

Calhoun has this advice for folks ordering a Papa Murphy’s Pizza: Try stepping out of your comfort zone. “At first, I was a regular pepperoni person, but ever since I tried our Tuscan Chicken and Sausage … I’m telling you, that’s the best I ever ate. I tell people don’t go for the cheese or pepperoni. Now, you will like it, but it’s not what brings you back. You’ve got to try one of our specialties. Those are the pizzas that really bring you back.”

Success in the early weeks foretells a bright future. “If the customers keep having the responses their having to us right now, I promise you, we’re going to be here for long while.”

That’s Holly Gaston’s plan, too. As general manager of Jersey Mike’s, she says she’s happy to be in Pell City. “It’s growing. It’s booming. There are so many opportunities here. New jobs are here. Pell City is just full of growth,” said Gaston.

The popular eatery chose March for its grand opening because according to Gaston, that’s the company-wide month of giving. This year’s benefactors are the Special Olympics and locally, Big Oak Ranch.

“Our company believes in giving back,” said Gaston. Eating at Jersey Mike’s is “more than just enjoying wonderful food. It’s also about helping others that need it.”

The new sandwich shop, also located at Coosa Commons, features a variety of subs, including gluten free.

“Our thing,” said Gaston, “is sliced fresh to order. Everything here is absolutely fresh every single day. The bread is baked fresh every day. Hot subs are prepared when you place your order. You have other sub chains who claim they are fresh, but we are the definition of fresh.”

Head south on U.S. 231 in Cropwell and check out Isabella’s Cocina and Cantina, which is getting rave reviews in its early days. Featuring a full Mexican menu, spacious dining inside and out, this new construction is attractively decorated and has an inviting atmosphere, drawing from residents of nearby Logan Martin Lake and all around.

But there’s more on the local dining scene. The buzz around Pell City says another restaurant – a high-class, white-tablecloth, candlelit, sit-down establishment is also considering Coosa Commons as its location.

Pell City Manager Brian Muenger says he’s met with the potential owners, and they are “excited” about the prospect.

“I know with the restaurant concept that was being reviewed, they were looking at taking all the rest of the available space and having a dining side, a bar side and also outdoor seating,” said Muenger.

“I strongly encourage them to consider that space and the menu they prepared. It was something really unlike anything we have here currently, and it’s something we have a great desire for. So many people tell me they’re traveling outside the city for sit down meals. And that’s certainly a need we want to see fulfilled,” he said.

“People strongly prefer to get their shopping and things done as close to home as possible, and that’s what we’re working to deliver here with as many options as possible. We want to keep our money and people here in St. Clair County.”

That’s a goal that just might be close at hand. Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council, isn’t surprised about the apparent retail and restaurant boom. “As far as revenues go, even 2020 (pandemic) was a record year for Pell City, and 2021 continued that momentum,” he said, saying several developments have jumped from plans on a drawing board to real brick and mortar.

“A lot of these projects taking place now go back a couple of years,” said Smith. “They were delayed because of 2020,” but now are all full steam ahead. Last year was a record in sales tax, countywide basically. Pell City was up 8% over the previous year,” he noted.

“Folks are getting away from big cities looking for a quieter place to live,” explained Smith, “and Pell City, being on the lake, has drawn a lot of folks here from Atlanta and Birmingham to have a second home or to live here and work remotely.”

Muenger has the numbers to back that up. “Last year, we had over 200 new home permits that were issued, and we’re still seeing that continue at about the same level. Builders are building as fast as they can, but in some cases, they are hampered by the availability of finishing goods. Things like windows, doors, different fixtures. Absent those constrictions,” he said, “I really think they’d be building even faster.”

Most houses, in all price ranges, are staying on the market only a few days and in some cases, only a single day, Muenger said.

Despite the understandable optimism expressed by city and county leaders, there is somewhat of a downside. “The economy is so hot right now that business – all businesses and industry – is dealing with a staffing demand. All industry is trying to expand its workforce because labor ability is not always what they’d like it to be.”

Also, according to Muenger, with the obvious inflation, “we’re all paying more for the goods we are buying,” but people are also getting higher wages, creating what he called a “brisk demand” for all items from big purchases like houses and automobiles to the day-to-day purchases.

“Things are moving back to something very similar or in many cases above what the demand was in 2020,” said Muenger. 

And for Pell City, that retail pipeline just keeps on producing. The next major project soon to be underway is development of the old hospital property. The complex is to be anchored by Hobby Lobby and T.J. Maxx.

Smith said other tenants which can’t yet be announced will include “all brands, allowing folks in Pell City and surrounding areas to stay home and get the products they want rather than having to drive 45 minutes to shop.”

According to Smith, the 135,000 square feet of retail space is expected to be ready for shoppers in about 18 to 24 months. Groundbreaking is set for this summer.

“This is something very exciting,” added Muenger. “It’s something we worked on for several years. In the same vein we talked about in keeping people here, this center is comprised of national brands that people are going to be very excited to see.”

As Pell City adds population, “we become more attractive to national brands,” he explained. “We have a larger population to service. I think businesses that come here will be very happy in the reception they receive. We’re excited about where things are headed on that front, and we’re excited about the people moving to St. Clair County to make it their home.”

New Richey’s Grocery

Same family approach

Story by Eryn Ellard
Photos by Graham Hadley

There are certain things about life that are inevitable, change being one of them. People and places can’t stay the same forever. For the folks who have lived in Cropwell on the outskirts of Pell City, there has been one big change this year – the demolition and ultimate rebuilding and rebranding of the old Richey’s Grocery.

For years, the tiny country store was more than just the last place to pick up milk on your way home from work; it was the gathering place for the small community – the coffee was always hot and the Blue Bell ice cream was always cold. Eventually, though, the old, family-run business closed its doors and in 2017, new owners took over.

Business partners Danny Dinani and Frank Devani saw lots of potential in the old building, its history and ideal location just a stone’s throw from Logan Martin Lake.

Dinani, who has made a career in retail for over 20 years, acquired the property in 2017, and also moved his family to Pell City to start their lives in the small town.

“The lake and the community were a big selling point for me,” Dinani said. There are very nice people here, and it is a family-oriented place.”

Recognizing that many people in the area know each other and their families, Dinani said the purchase was pretty much a no-brainer. “My customers know me and my family very well. It is a safe place to live, raise children and work in,” Dinani noted.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, Dinani said his store remained open, serving the small community in a big way. It was then when he and his partner decided that it was time to build a new Richey’s Grocery.

“The town of Cropwell is growing, so we wanted to grow along with it,” he said. “It also needed some changes, such as including a package store, new gas pumps, fishing supplies and groceries.”

The store was closed for nine months while the demolition of the old store and construction of its newer, more modern version was built. Richey’s reopened at the beginning of the year, officially three times the size of the old landmark store. The new store features a beer cave, which stays at a cool 32 degrees 24 hours a day.

Dinani has two full-time employees, and he and other members of his family also work there.

“The customers are all very friendly, they have welcomed me and my family with open arms, and we are very thankful for that.”