By Donna Thornton/News Editor
City of Attalla Mayor Larry Means turned out for a ribbon-cutting at a newly opened Attalla business (Snap Fitness, in the Attalla Plaza off Ala. 77) and offered up news of another on the way.
Means said he got the go-ahead about a week ago to publicly talk about a new Ace Hardware store coming to the city. It will be located beside Johnson’s Foods on Ala. 77, near the intersection with Ala. 11.
It’s the latest step in a veritable growth spurt in the city. While Attalla’s been known for antique businesses but Means said city leaders are working to bring a variety of businesses to the city.
A new Dollar General store is under construction on Third Street, where the present store will locate. Means said people seem to be excited about the new store, which will be larger and offer a greater variety of goods than the current store. In other retail development, a new boutique, Roxy’s apparel is expected to open in coming weeks on Fifth Avenue, along with a new antique business, Fifth Avenue Marketplace.
Cornerstone Coffee House, which offers fresh-roasted coffee, specialty drinks and baked goods is open and in operation now on Fifth Avenue.
Maggie’s Gluten-free Bakery will locate at the corner of Fourth Street NW and Fifth Avenue NW and Andie Pandie Candies, Pretzels, Snacks and More will open on Fourth Avenue in the old Red Apron Bistro building. Andie Pandie’s will serve lunch as well as pretzels and candies.
There has been additional growth on the west side of the city, with Mama’s Ribs and Diner now open where The Blue Plate once operated on Ala. 77.
Ray’s Barbeque is back in Attalla now, at its old location on Ala. 77. A new Wendy’s will open soon at the old Dairy Queen location, and as mentioned, Snap Fitness opened recently.