Judy Sells The Shoals

Odette, a popular restaurant in downtown Florence, Alabama, has greatly impacted our community by providing us with a healthy, delicious Farm to Table menu that features locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, but to truly appreciate this local eatery one must understand every aspect behind Owner Celeste Pillow's decision to open a restaurant that has easily become the Shoals’ preferred stop for incredible fare. After leaving Florence to pursue a degree in Art at the University of Montana, Celeste traveled to New York City to continue her education in cuisine—two focuses that go hand-in-hand. With little intention to become a chef, she still wanted to grow in her understanding of the art of cooking, which she did at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. After time spent in New York working and learning in the restaurant industry, she began her journey home to Alabama where she first landed in Birmingham and eventually decided to move back home to The ...

On any given night you will find Wildwood Tavern overflowing with a crowd of young professionals, artists, musicians, and designers grabbing a drink and sitting down for good conversation until late into the evening on East Mobile Street in downtown Florence. Childhood friends Matt Henderson and Tyler Ross left the Shoals for college, only to return to their roots to open up the popular Chicago Café three years ago, and just one year ago, Wildwood Tavern—a bar that is both laid-back and filled with life. The two owners, born and raised in Florence, are devoted to “Keep Florence Funky” – a fun phrase they coined to encourage local residents to embrace and continue to create the soulful style that first put The Shoals on the map—an approach that is apparent in their unique décor, original recipes, and their love for the local community. The funky attitude begins as soon as you walk through the doors of Wildwood Tavern. The rustic space decorated with colorful, pendant lighting, which...

In the early 90’s, with almost 24 years of restaurant expertise, Rick Elliott took a trip to Spain and found unique restaurants, nestled on cobblestone streets, in long, narrow buildings owned by families who poured their lives into perfecting and specializing in good food. After his experience he wanted to bring the same vision and character back to the Shoals and was inspired to create the popular Ricatoni’s Italian Grill that has been a Florence favorite since it opened its doors in the summer of 1996. The recipe for such a successful business over time has been great service, delicious food, and the ability to create a space that is unique and memorable. Walking into Ricatoni’s is much like entering into a restaurant that could be found in Chicago, Boston, or New York—it has a warm, family atmosphere with maroon, leather booths, exposed brick, and a classic embossed ceiling—it feels as though you might find The Godfather himself sitting in the back eating meatballs ...

The old is being made new again with the revitalization of The McCorkle Building on Court Street in Florence, Alabama. Established in 1948, the historical building is seeing a new era of contemporary living, restaurant innovation, and local shopping in the downtown area—and it will be joining the ranks of the ever-growing popular spots with the addition of 306 Barbecue & Back Alley Sports Bar and McCorkle Lofts. Just a short walk away from the University of North Alabama, students, young professionals, and families alike will enjoy the new additions to 322 N. Court Street. While the restaurant is currently under construction, 306 Barbecue will be ready for business at the first of the new year and will serve items such as pulled pork, ribs, chicken, homemade sides and fresh vegetables. The eatery originally began in Athens, Alabama with a few guys cooking barbecue for friends and has since grown into a favorite Southern BBQ hangout. When Darren Rhodes, a Florence native...