Small businesses are the backbone of the Auburn community, helping the local economy grow and bringing people together. Whether you are grabbing coffee with a friend or picking out flowers, local businesses play a big role in making Auburn feel like home.
Owned and operated by Sydney Tindell, The Petal Co. in Auburn, Alabama, is a cheerful, bright pink flower truck offering fresh-cut flowers priced by the stem. Customers can choose to either create their own custom bouquets or choose from a selection of pre-made arrangements. Sydney sees this as a chance for everyone to craft something truly unique to them.
The flower shop's mission is to spread happiness by creating something special for every occasion. When asked how she strives to give back to the community, Sydney shared that she’s passionate about supporting local businesses, which is why many of the flowers on the truck are grown in the Auburn and Opelika areas. Customers love the truck’s unique charm and the opportunity to hand-pick flowers to create custom bouquets and to snap photos along the way.
The Petal Co. introduced a bouquet subscription service, allowing customers to choose from weekly, bi-weekly or monthly deliveries. Customers can also catch the truck at local businesses, events and pop-ups throughout the year. The Petal Co. is available for private events, with customizable options to suit any need.
Toni Holt, the owner of Ross House Coffee, is also located in Auburn. The shop is known for its signature baked oatmeal, a crowd favorite that keeps customers coming back for more. Ross House Coffee also offers a wide selection of espresso drinks, frappes, smoothies, pastries and lunch options— catering to a variety of tastes.
Holt said that the mission of Ross House Coffee over the past nine years has been to provide a peaceful space for the community, whether it’s for a business meeting, Bible study or catching up with friends. When asked what keeps her motivated, Toni simply said, “I just love the customers!”
In a world that’s increasingly dominated by large corporations, it’s the small businesses like The Petal Co. and Ross House Coffee that remind locals of the importance of community. These businesses do more than just provide goods and services, they create spaces for connection, support local economies and foster relationships that make a place feel like home.
By choosing to invest in and support these local gems, customers play an essential role in building a more vibrant, resilient community. In the end, it's not just about the flowers or the coffee, it’s about the shared moments and the people who make them special.
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