Pell City breaks ground on new Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse

Pell City is set to become a premier dining destination as Darden Restaurants, a global leader in full-service dining, officially broke ground on March 18, 2025, on a new Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.

This highly anticipated project, valued at over $6 million, is the result of a dynamic partnership between Darden Restaurants, I-20 Development, the City of Pell City, and the St. Clair County Commission. The spirit of collaboration was present at the groundbreaking ceremony, held on the development site located at the intersection of US Highway 231 and Hazelwood Drive, adjacent to the I-20 West ramp.

From left: Pell City Council Member Ivi Wilson, Member Jason Mitcham, Member Jay Jenkins, Mayor Bill Pruitt, Council President Jud Alverson, Developer Bill Ellison, City Manager Brian Muenger, and EDC Executive Director Don Smith at the March 18, 2025 Groundbreaking for Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.

“This is a ‘we thing,’ not a ‘me thing,’” said Bill Ellison, President of I-20 Development, who spearheaded the project. “It’s been a total team effort, and I want to compliment the City and County for their commitment and cooperation. As long as we can keep these relationships in place, there are limitless possibilities for what comes next.”

The new restaurants are projected to generate a combined $10 million in annual sales for Pell City, significantly boosting the local economy. Moreover, they will create numerous job opportunities for area residents and enrich the city’s dining scene with diverse culinary options, attracting visitors from across the region.

Darden Restaurants, renowned for its commitment to exceptional dining experiences, operates over 2,100 locations worldwide. In Alabama alone, the company employs more than 3,300 team members across its 38 existing locations.

“It’s a tremendous feeling to know that these businesses that have so many choices on where to locate choose make their investment in our community,” said Bill Pruitt, Mayor of Pell City. They recognize that this is a special place to be. We’re grateful for the work of Bill Ellison and for the County Commission’s partnership, and we’re honored to welcome Olive Garden and LongHorn into the Pell City family.”

From left: Commissioner Bob Mize, Mayor Pruitt, Don Smith, Commission Chair Stan Batemon, Ellison, and Commissioner Ricky Parker.

The Pell City restaurants will uphold Darden’s high standards, offering the beloved menus and inviting atmospheres that have made Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse favorites. Guests can look forward to indulging in Olive Garden’s signature pasta dishes, soups, salads, and breadsticks, or savoring LongHorn Steakhouse’s expertly grilled steaks, sides, and appetizers. Both locations will also feature full-service bars and delectable desserts.

“This entire project is exciting,” St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon said. “Bill Ellison saw a vision over here, and myself and the other Commissioners are grateful for his and the City’s work in bringing these restaurants to St. Clair County.”

The Pell City locations are expected to open in 2026.

About Olive Garden

Olive Garden, a cornerstone of Darden Restaurants, offers a warm and inviting dining experience centered around classic Italian-American cuisine. Known for its generous portions and family-friendly atmosphere, Olive Garden is celebrated for signature dishes like its unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks, as well as its wide array of pasta, chicken, and seafood entrees. With a focus on creating a sense of “famiglia,” Olive Garden provides a comfortable space for guests to gather and enjoy a satisfying meal, whether for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or any occasion in between.

About LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse, a proud member of the Darden Restaurants family, delivers a distinctive and memorable steakhouse experience. Renowned for its expertly grilled steaks, cooked to perfection, LongHorn also offers a diverse menu featuring flavorful chicken, seafood, and ribs. With a warm, inviting atmosphere inspired by the rugged spirit of the American West, guests can enjoy hearty meals and generous portions, complemented by friendly service. From signature steaks like the Outlaw Ribeye to classic sides and desserts, LongHorn Steakhouse provides a casual yet satisfying dining destination for steak enthusiasts and families alike.

Investing in the Future of D2: City hosting important discussion on April 12

In March 2025, residents of Pell City’s Glen City District were surprised when one of the most desirable properties in the neighborhood suddenly changed hands. They were even more surprised by the cost – only $30,000.

Without the documentation needed to secure the property following the passing of its owners, it went into foreclosure to satisfy the debts against it. Then, the property sold without much fanfare, its future unknown to its neighbors.

This experience isn’t an outlier in Pell City’s District 2, which has the highest rates of heirs’ property issues – family land – and has seen the lowest rate of new home construction in recent years.

Led by District 2 City Council Member Ivi Wilson, the City of Pell City will hold an informational meeting on April 12 at 1 p.m. at the Municipal Complex to discuss both the present and future of some of the City’s historic neighborhoods. Investing in the Future of D2 will feature presentations and discussions on how residents can protect, maintain, and develop property in their community.

Presenters include

  • Don Smith: executive Director, St. Clair County Economic Development Council. Presenting on: The Basics of Development
  • Dr. Jamie C. Mardis: Instructional Programs Outreach Administrator, Auburn University Extension. Presenting on: Heirs’ Property Ownership (click for more)
  • Brian Muenger and Ivi Wilson: Pell City City Manager and District 2 Council Member. Presenting on: New Home Construction in D2

All areas of municipal government will attend the meeting and be available to answer resident questions. All City residents are invited to join the discussion.

“Your presence matters,” said Council Member Ivi Wilson. “Please join us to help shape the future of our District. This is your opportunity to directly influence a plan and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of our residents.”

EDC Celebrates City, County Growth at Annual Investor Breakfast

Elected officials and staff of the City of Pell City joined with those from other communities on Thursday, Feb. 13 for the St. Clair County Economic Development Council’s Annual Investor Breakfast.

This event provides leaders from across the county an opportunity to learn about the previous year’s progress and goals for the future related to economic development in the region.

“Pell City has been blessed to partner with the EDC on so many great projects to enrich the economy and quality of life in the Pell City community, and we look forward to building upon this incredibly beneficial relationship,” Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt said.

From left: EDC Executive Director Don Smith, EDC Grants and Leadership Director Candace Hill, Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger, Pell City Council President Jud Alverson, EDC Tourism Coordinator Blair Goodgame, and Director of Industry & Workforce Development Jason Roberts.

EDC Executive Director Don Smith announced that since 1999 the organization has worked as part of a network of state and local partners to bring more than 8,000 new jobs to St. Clair County and assisted in creating nearly $2 billion in new investments.

And, as he told the audience, local trends show more development is on the horizon. 

“This is probably the most excited I’ve been in the past 17 years at this position because of the potential of St. Clair County right now,” Smith said. “The next 5 years could be the most transformational in county history.”

St. Clair EDC is one of several organizations supported annually by the City Council for the City of Pell City through appropriation. Its work in the areas of education and workforce development, job recruitment and retention, infrastructure development, and tourism are highly valued contributions to Pell City’s growth.

“Pell City’s leadership has put all the pieces in place to continue their City’s success,” Smith said. “We’re excited to continue working alongside their excellent team to bring their projects to fruition.”

For more on the St. Clair EDC, visit stclairedc.com.

Council Approves Development Incentive that will bring Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse to Exit 158

On Monday, December 23, 2024, the City Council for the City of Pell City approved an incentive package to help secure two new restaurants for the community – Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.

“Residents regularly tell me that new dining options should be high on our list of priorities, so I’m very pleased to announce that two fantastic new restaurants are considering our city,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “This is a major win for our community, bringing new dining options, jobs, and economic growth.”

National restaurant brands Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse are in a due diligence period to consider occupying sites along US 231 at the intersection of I-20.

The $6+ million development is located along US Highway 231 and Hazelwood Dr., near the ramp to I-20 West.

Developers W.C.E. LLC and E&R Properties Inc. requested City assistance with site preparation and utility relocation costs for the project.  Using the incentives, the developers propose to prepare four build-ready parcels, which cover 8.73 acres.

“Through this incentive, the City anticipates additional commercial development at the site, beyond the two named restaurants,” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “Most national tenants require interstate visibility, so it is important that the City maximize the opportunity this land provides.

The City anticipates $10 million in combined annual sales from the two restaurants.

The public hearing on the incentive package is a small portion of a years-long recruitment process. Olive Garden and LongHorn are currently in the due diligence period of the development process.

Allied Mineral Breaks Ground on $23.5 Million Expansion in Pell City

City officials joined State of Alabama and company representatives on June 11 to celebrate a $23.5 million expansion of the Allied Mineral Products, LLC plant in Pell City. The new construction will add a 200,000-square-foot production facility, doubling the size of the plant, and add 13 manufacturing jobs to the local workforce.

During a speech to the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Bill Pruitt noted that the company only arrived in Pell City in 2019. Doubling the size of its local facility in only 6 years is a testament to the quality of the local workforce, he said.

“It says a lot about us as a community,” Pruitt told the audience of State and local officials and company representatives. “We are proud to have you here, and we look forward to seeing you grow, prosper, and bring more employees into the Allied family.”

Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt speaks to the audience during the Allied Mineral Products groundbreaking ceremony on June 11, 2024.

Allied Mineral first came to St. Clair County in 2017 with its acquisition of Riverside Refractories, Inc. Allied opened the Pell City production facility in August 2019.

“The reason you’re here validates that we’re doing something right that makes for a great workforce,” St. Clair Commission Chair Stan Batemon told the audience during the ceremony.

St. Clair Commission Chairman Stan Batemon addresses local, State, and company officials at the Allied Mineral production facility in Pell City on June 11, 2024.

Allied Mineral President and CEO Paul Jamieson noted that the expansion will increase the company’s number of full-time jobs at the facility to more than 100. He said thanks to the quality of Pell City’s workforce and the local support, the company’s growth in Alabama has been faster than planned. 

“We are excited to be expanding our facility so soon and are confident this will help us to continue that growth,” Jamieson said.

From left, Mayor Bill Pruitt, Allied Mineral President & CEO Paul Jamieson, Council member Ivi McDaniel, Allied Mineral Chairman Jon R. Tabor, and City Manager Brian Muenger. The entirety of the gravel area pictured will soon be transformed into a 200,000-square-foot production facility.

According to officials, the company can produce more than 1,000 different products at the Pell City plant, which are primarily types of heat-resistant coatings for industrial use. Allied’s products are used everywhere from smelting ladles to rocket launchpads.

Construction on the new facility, now under way, will be completed in late 2025. In addition to the new building, the expansion will include installation of new manufacturing equipment including cranes, drying ovens and mixers. Allied will increase the facility’s production capacity, improve efficiency, prepare it for growth and increase its ability to serve the company’s Southern regions.

Besides Pell City, Allied has U.S. locations in Brownsville, Texas and Columbus, Ohio, where it is headquartered.  The company also has facilities in Canada, South America, Europe, India, China, and South Africa.

Coming Soon to Pell City Square: Outback Steakhouse and Whataburger

Whataburger: Projected Opening Summer/Fall 2024

Outback Steakhouse: Projected Opening Spring 2025

The City of Pell City is excited to announce that popular restaurants Outback Steakhouse and Whataburger will soon join the impressive selection of retailers at Pell City Square. 

Construction is underway at both sites, and the City anticipates both will be open to the public before the close of 2024. The new restaurants will be located on the west side of the Pell City Square development, with Outback on the northwest corner parcel next to Ross Dress for Less. 

“The arrivals of Outback Steakhouse and Whataburger fulfill a key promise made by this administration to attract high-quality dining for our residents as part of the Pell City Square development,” Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “These businesses bring not only exciting new options but also create significant economic opportunities through job creation and increased local investment.”

The addition of these beloved national chains brings the Pell City Square closer to completion. The project, which sits on the site of the former St. Clair County Hospital, was announced in 2022. It contained four outparcels that would be developed separately from the primary retail component.

The additions of Outback and Whataburger mean all City-controlled parcels are committed. Only two outparcels totaling 3.44 acres remain on the east side of the site, both controlled by Bill Ellison, president of I-20 Development.

Outback will have 187 seats in the restaurant with a maximum occupancy of 210. Combined with Whataburger, the new restaurants are expected to add approximately $3 million in annual taxable income to Pell City’s economy. 

The Pell City Square development was initially projected to generate $25 million in taxable sales. Revised figures following an immensely successful holiday season in 2023 now project that figure to be higher.

“We’re expecting that the Pell City Square’s taxable sales for 2024 will surpass original projections by around 20 percent,” Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger said. “When we include the new restaurants, taxable sales are likely to exceed $33 million annually. 

“Not only do these figures show our City has been successful in capturing local spending that would otherwise travel to competing markets, but it also provides the City with a significant boost in its ability to provide services and amenities for current and future residents.”

Pell City Square is located off I-20 Exit 158 on Dr. John Haynes Drive in Pell City. The 148,000 square foot retail space features Hobby Lobby, Ulta, Pet Smart, Ross Dress for Less, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, America’s Best Eye Care and Five Below.

Pell City Square was made possible by a partnership between Noon Real Estate, the St. Clair County Commission, the City of Pell City, and the St. Clair County Economic Development Council.