It used to be a pre-Civil War overall factory established in the 1800s. Gone are its days filled with sewing machines and heavy machinery, but its Southern roots still remain.
In the heart of downtown Opelika on the corner of Avenue B and 10th Street, The Overall Company is creating a haven of Southern food, music and culture.
Jay and Laura Pritchard, owners of The Overall Co., dreamed of creating a place where people could come, hang a while, drink a well-made cup of coffee and eat a couple of homemade biscuits.
"It's celebrating Southern culture, food, music and people," Laura said. "Not only connecting with people, but offering that experience you can't get anywhere else around here."
In mid-August, their dream of sharing that experience with the citizens of Auburn and Opelika will be complete, according to the Pritchards.
The Overall Co. is still in its revamping stage, and the Pritchards, with the help of building owners John and Ashely Marsh, head foreman David Keller, Ty Maloney and graphic designer Phil Moody, aim to keep the building's design close to its original format with custom-made pieces.
The Overall Co. is a large, free-flowing space with old hardwood floors, vintage, purchasable furniture, a stately pour-over counter crafted from an old door, and pinewood stairs leading up to a terrace that will be filled with a local art gallery and live music.
Handcrafted coffee, fit with gooseneck kettles and customized espresso machines, find their place behind the counter close to the drive-through window. Craft beer, wine and loose-leaf tea will also be offered alongside the cups of joe.
Expect to taste boiled peanut hummus, pimento cheese and bacon sandwiches, homemade biscuits and beer and cheese pairings.
To give a fresh new take on the old Southern feel of The Overall Co., Ali Maloney makes fresh fruit and dessert pops, similar to Mexican paletas, in-house every day.
Flavors range from watermelon mint and peaches and cream to chocolate hazelnut and banana pudding.
Gratitude also runs deep at The Overall Co., as many people have volunteered with finishing the restaurant.
"We couldn't have done it without these great people helping us," Jay said. "It's really humbling."
To those involved in The Overall Co., it's all about honoring their Southern roots and celebrating people.
"(The Pritchards) are a total blessing, and we're happy to help their dream to succeed," Ashely Marsh said. "It just feels right. It's Southern. It's comfortable."
Referencing restaurants like The Tipping Point in Montgomery and Empire State South in Atlanta, music like the Alabama Shakes and aesthetic appeal like Billy Reid of Florence, it's easy to see the Pritchards' love of Southern culture.
To get a taste of what's to come at The Overall Co., fruit and dessert pops are sold at the Opelika's Farmers Market every Tuesday from 3-6 p.m.
Although the specific opening date has yet to be revealed, The Overall Co. is planning to open one night in mid-August.
For more information on the opening date and restaurant updates, visit their Facebook page.
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