Outback opens in Pell City

Restaurant the latest major food
chain to locate in city

Outback Steakhouse, the popular Australian-themed restaurant chain, cut the ribbon and open the doors to a new dining experience for Pell City in April

One of the most anticipated openings in the city in years, Outback marks a new chapter in the city’s culinary landscape, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to indulge in the chain’s celebrated menu closer to home.

It had been on citizens’ ‘wish list’ for years, and city and county economic development officials set out to make it happen. Officials had options on an outparcel of land in the development where the new shopping center, Pell City Square, located two years ago, and they designated it for a national brand, sit-down restaurant.

They got what they hoped for when Outback inked the deal on the property just west of the shopping center fronting Interstate 20.

Crowd enjoys food on opening day

Nicole Clark is the proprietor, and her first impression of Pell City is one of a welcoming town. “Everyone has been so hospitable. We’ve had amazing feedback.”

The restaurant created 130 jobs, and the training team developed a real sense of community, she said. “They love the job, and they love the brand. The love and support have been unmatched. I look forward to great partnerships.”

One such community partnership was the first official act at the grand opening – presentation of a check for $8,385.15 to Childhood Food Solutions based in Sylacauga and serving the region that includes Pell City. The check was courtesy of the proceeds from the grand opening.

“Giving back is a critical component of what we do,” one official said.

The restaurant has a seating capacity of 187 with a maximum occupancy of 210 and is located off John Haynes Drive.

The restaurant has been bustling since opening and is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the city in the years to come.

Realtors Association hands out recognitions

Calling him “a true ambassador of St. Clair County,” the Association of Realtors presented its most prestigious award to Lyman Lovejoy, who has dedicated more than five decades not only to real estate but promoting the entire county.

He was recognized for his leadership roles inside and outside the organization, including St. Clair EDC, Association of Realtors and Alabama Real Estate Commission. “More than a businessman, Lyman is a builder of relationships,” the presentation concluded. His life has been “a master class in leadership, resilience and unwavering commitment to others.”

The annual recognition is held at the group’s Fair Housing Act Luncheon, which is dedicated to making land and home ownership fair for all people.

Also recognized were: Caran Wilbanks, past president; Rising Star, Morgan Munn; Realtors for Communities, Dana Ellison; ARPAC Diamond Club, Becky Bowman and Sharon Thomas; Partner of the Year, Blair & Parsons; Rookie of the Year, Sydney Howard; and 15 Years of Service awards.

Food business booming in Pell City

Pell City seems to be experiencing a culinary renaissance with an eclectic array of new eateries that should please a variety of tastes.

From the exotic offerings of Kami Sushi and Asian Fusion, to the vibrant tastes of Mama Spice Jamaican Restaurant, the smoky goodness of Porky Pirate Barbecue, and the delightful treats at Coosa Café and Creamery, there is something for every palate.

Kami opened in the shopping center anchored by Publix and has already outgrown the space where it originally opened, the former Papa Murphy’s location. It has expanded to the space next door formerly occupied by Celeste Boutique.

Sushi at Kami

The menu invites patrons on a culinary journey, “showcasing the best of Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and beyond. Indulge in fresh sushi, soul-warming ramen, bold Thai curries, rich Indonesian specialties and Asian-inspired cocktails.”

Mama Spice’s Facebook pages says it offers authentic Jamaican food, including jerk chicken and more. It is located in the shopping center anchored by Fresh Value. Also coming soon, according to its sign, is an old favorite of Baby Boomers – Pasquale’s Pizza – in the former Superior Automotive location on U.S. 231.

Coosa Café and Creamery is a second location for Coosa Creamery but with a cafe as well. It is a café, coffee shop and ice cream shop all in one, offering dine in, takeout and a drive through.

From banana splits to lattes to homemade sandwiches, the café has plenty of offerings. It is located on U.S. 231 South across from Richey’s Grocery at Rabbit Branch Road.

Landing on the shores of Logan Martin Lake at Coosa Island Marina is Porky Pirate BBQ. Opened in early May, the restaurant has been completely renovated and offers an extensive menu of smoked meats and pork, seafood, chicken and different twists on a variety of dishes.

You can reach this restaurant by vehicle or boat.

Helping hand to fight hunger

Car wash initiative nets $25,216 for
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama

Raindrop Car Wash presented a $25,216 donation to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, concluding its first-quarter “Wash Away Hunger Wednesday” initiative.

The contribution represents proceeds from every car washed on Wednesdays during the first quarter of 2025, with $1 from each wash allocated directly to support hunger relief efforts within the community.

Senior executives from Raindrop Car Wash presented the check at the Community Food Bank’s facility, where they were greeted by the Food Bank’s CEO and leadership team. The visit included a guided tour of the facility, providing a firsthand perspective on the organization’s daily operations and unwavering dedication to providing sustenance to those in need.

Community Food Bank CEO Nicole Williams expressed her gratitude for the ongoing partnership. “I am delighted about our partnership with Raindrop Car Wash. They have been an amazing partner, lots of their locations serving our community, just like the food bank, and we are so excited to work together to make sure that our neighbors are getting food that they need and providing meals on their tables.”

“Our campaign is deeply rooted in our organization’s core values and our team’s desire to be generous members of the communities we serve,” said Blake Buchanan, CEO of Raindrop Car Wash. “We are immensely proud of our customers and team for rallying behind this cause every Wednesday, and the exciting beginning of this partnership with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.”

Raindrop’s Wash Away Hunger campaign is a longstanding community initiative designed to transform routine car washes into acts of compassion. The company looks forward to continuing this endeavor throughout the year to help make a lasting impact.

Editor’s Note: To learn more about the campaign, visit www.raindropcarwash.com/wash-away-hunger.

The Good Life …

The good life isn’t one-size-fits-all.

It’s not always a passport full of stamps, a huge house, or a stacked bank account. Sometimes it’s your well-worn Bible, a garden you planted, long talks with old friends or a family that still gathers for Sunday dinner. 

It’s less about 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 you have, and more about 𝙬𝙝𝙤 you have & what you value. Less about climbing, more about rooting. Less about escaping and more about abiding. 

Because truth is—the “good life” is wildly subjective. To some, it’s the city skyline or the sound of the ocean.  To others, it’s wildflowers, fresh eggs, and a baby on your hip. For some, it’s traveling the world or climbing the corporate ladder. 

For others, it’s holding tightly to home and spending your days pouring into those you share it with.

It’s not always about how far you go—

Sometimes it’s as simple as who you come home to.

A messy house full of laughter, your favorite flowers blooming outside, a steady hand to hold, a warm meal and a place to rest your head. 

That is ‘the good life’ too.

– Mackenzie Free –

Wife, mother, photographer & current resident of the unassumingly magical town of Steele, Alabama

Big Canoe Creek: Explore a world of biodiversity

Biodiversity abounds at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve. Just look around you.

Trees form more than just shade on a warm, sunny day. They represent the diversity of the preserve’s dense forest. Find beech, red and sugar maple trees as well as stands of river cane.

Among the hardwood and pine forests, discover native plants – wild azaleas, oak leaf hydrangeas, mountain laurels and buckeyes.

Want to go bird watching? There’s plenty to see! So far, eBird’s list of the species spotted there is up to 84, ranging from the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker to the Great Horned Owl and dozens in between. Even the Summer Tanager, the only totally red bird in North America, has made an appearance.

If you need help identifying all of them, just download the Merlin Bird ID app developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on your cell phone. It is a handy helper to determine which tweet is which. Don’t forget to take your binoculars!

And the preserve’s namesake, Big Canoe Creek, is home to more than 50 species of fish, including the rare Trispot Darter, discovered in 2008 in Little Canoe Creek. It is a species that used to be found in Alabama but had not been seen in nearly 50 years. It is now listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act, as threatened.

Mussels, nature’s own water filter, were once in “great supply” in Big Canoe Creek, which has retained most of its species and has kept the creek pristine, underscoring its ecological integrity.  However, the Canoe Creek Clubshell (Pleurobema athearni)  found nowhere else but in Big Canoe Creek is listed under the Endangered Species Act, as recently as 2022 as “endangered”.  There is an effort underway to assess the watershed and determine what steps can be taken to keep this species from extinction.

Big Canoe Creek has eight federally listed freshwater mussel species, and its 18-mile main stem stretch was designated a ‘critical habitat’ under the Endangered Species Act in 2004. l