By By Adam Prestridge
During a time when businesses are being forced to close, one local family is preparing to open the doors to their first business venture.
Alabama Wing House is slated to open in early March, and Ronnie and Jessica Cloud of Enon are excited about the opportunity it brings not only their family, but the City of Atmore and surrounding areas.
The Clouds first looked to open their restaurant on the Florida-Alabama line, but red tape prevented them from doing so.
So for the past six weeks, the Clouds along with a host of contractors and officials with L&B Properties, owner of Adam’s Plaza on Lindberg Avenue where the restaurant will be located, have been working to prepare for opening day.
Atmore mayor Howard Shell said having a new business open during the nation’s current economic condition is refreshing.
“It’s always good when somebody wants to invest in your town and they see opportunities here,” Shell said. “We join the other people in town in welcoming this type of business and certainly believe there is an opportunity for them to make a successful business.”
Cloud said the restaurant would be based around wings and barbecue and feature 4,500 square feet of dining space, but added that a wide variety of food would be offered. He said participation in fundraising events over the past several years prompted the decision to open a restaurant.
One thing Cloud said he would pride himself on with his new business venture would be reasonable food prices, including an “affordable” kid’s menu, well-priced beverages and lunch and dinner specials.
Other menu items include appetizers such as BBQ nachos and fries, cheese fries, Brunswick stew, onion rings, potato skins and a wing sampler; sides including French fries, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, bake potato and cheese grits and main menu items, which may change, including, sandwiches made from fresh meats, hamburgers, steak, wings, sausage and peppers and chicken, rib and numerous combo plates. Cloud also plans to have some other main dishes, but said those are not finalized.
As for the restaurant’s theme, Cloud went with what every man’s heart ‘s desire, sports.
The restaurant will feature eight to 10 big screen televisions, which will be tuned in to the latest in sports.
Shell believes a restaurant like Alabama Wing House will compliment the variety of restaurants Atmore already has to offer.
Cloud hopes Atmore will be a launching pad for additional restaurants.
“Our goal is that this is the first one,” he said. “We want to build in this size demographics and learn a lot from this one. We’ll learn a lot about efficiencies and then we’ll hopefully open a second one in 12 to 15 months.”
Alabama Wing House will be open Wednesday through Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday. Hours have not been finalized.
For more information or to apply for employment call Cloud at 446-4000 or visit www.alabamawinghouse. com