Story by Emily Williams • Photos by Lee Walls When former Vestavia Hills residents Lee and Candice McKinney were talked into looking at a property in Mountain Brook, they weren’t planning for a big move, let alone a major project. Nevertheless, the home, tucked in the Brookwood Forest area of Mountain Brook atop a mountain, drew them in with one thing you can’t get through … [Read more...]
Shining Through: Conservative Business Plan Helps Bromberg’s Weather Economic Storms
By Donna Cornelius Facing economic adversity isn’t new to America’s oldest known family-owned retailer. Founded in Mobile in 1836, Bromberg & Co. Inc. has survived the American Civil War, Great Depression, two World Wars, recessions – and now, the coronavirus pandemic. Frederick W. Bromberg, who started the business, likely would approve of the way his … [Read more...]
Say Cheese – Biscuits, That Is: JNN Retail Puts Jim ’n Nick’s Popular Mixes, Sauces on Grocery Store Shelves
By Donna Cornelius Dinner at Jim ’n Nick’s Bar-B-Q wouldn’t be complete without two of the restaurant’s most popular products: its cheese biscuits and its barbecue sauce. But those who love the taste of the sweet little muffins and the tang of the sauce can enjoy them at home, too, thanks to JNN Retail. Since launching in 2011, the biscuit mix and three flavors of sauces are … [Read more...]
Pay It Forward: Initiative to Feed Health Care Workers Was a Passion Project for Jimmy John’s Owner
By Caroline Rice Brandon Stewart, a local Jimmy John’s franchisee and entrepreneur, began an initiative called Pay It Forward Alabama during the COVID-19 pandemic to raise money and donate Jimmy John’s meals to health care workers in Birmingham-area hospitals. Since then, Pay It Forward has raised more than $10,000 and fed more than 1,500 medical personnel. “In the midst of … [Read more...]
Gentle Giant: United Ability CEO Dr. Gary Edwards Touched the Lives of Thousands
By Rubin E. Grant When Dr. Gary Edwards died on June 5 after an extended illness, United Ability didn’t lose just its chief executive officer; it lost a respected visionary, a true servant-leader and a gentle giant. Those were some of the descriptions of Edwards, who was CEO of United Ability, formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, for 38 years. He influenced … [Read more...]