News Summary

Construction has commenced on the first Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Alabama, located in Clift Farm. Madison County authorities have issued the necessary permit, reflecting the restaurant’s expected growth in the area. This $6.5 million project, encompassing over 12,000 square feet, is part of a broader construction trend in the Huntsville vicinity, where recent permits indicate significant investment and expansion. The new establishment is poised to elevate dining options and contribute to local economic development.

Clift Farm

Construction has officially begun on a new Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Clift Farm, marking the franchise’s first location in Alabama. The Madison County authorities issued a permit for the restaurant earlier this month, indicating the project’s progression.

This new establishment is part of a larger trend in the area, as a total of 421 permits have been issued in the Huntsville vicinity since April 10. These permits represent a significant investment of approximately $84.7 million across Madison, Limestone, and Morgan counties.

Cosgrove Construction has been selected as the builder for the Cooper’s Hawk project, which comes with a budget of $6.5 million. The restaurant will occupy a sizable space of 12,448 square feet, situated at 8228 U.S. 72 West, just north of Madison City limits.

Details of the Cooper’s Hawk Concept

The Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is an upscale casual dining franchise that operates restaurants in 14 states. This new location in Clift Farm is one of seven Cooper’s Hawk restaurants projected to open later this year. Each restaurant features a full-service bar, private barrel-aging room, Napa-style tasting room, and a retail gift store.

The diverse menu includes steak, chicken, seafood, a wide selection of wines and beers, as well as brunch options, aiming to appeal to a broad range of diners looking for high-quality dining experiences.

Other Construction Projects in the Area

In addition to the Cooper’s Hawk project, several other significant developments are underway in the Huntsville area. Bonafide construction company Brasfield & Gorrie has initiated work on a $3.3 million Class A office building in Huntsville, which is being managed by COPT Defense Properties. This building will cover a total of 127,000 square feet and will be located at 8100 Rideout Rd. SW.

Other notable projects by Brasfield & Gorrie include a $25 million, 125,000-square-foot building at 8500 Redstone Gateway. Meanwhile, Action Builders has received a permit for constructing a $1.5 million home that will span 6,251 square feet at 173 Carter Rd. in Madison. Additionally, Summit Structures is set to build a $1.2 million facility covering 10,000 square feet at 1575 Jordan Road for Schrimsher Automotive.

Building Activity Overview

Overall, Madison County has issued 177 permits totaling $43.3 million, while Huntsville has granted 180 permits valued at $27 million. Meanwhile, the city of Madison issued 31 permits totaling $8.9 million, and Decatur has documented 33 permits valued at $5.5 million.

Lennar Homes has emerged as the top homebuilder in the area, securing 50 permits that amount to $11 million. Meanwhile, Davidson Homes and Real Estate Trainers of America have received 39 permits worth $6.2 million and 28 permits worth $5.3 million, respectively.

As Clift Farm prepares to welcome the new Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, it stands as a testament to the robust growth and ongoing investment in the Huntsville area, promising both economic development and enhanced dining options for residents and visitors alike.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant to open first Alabama location
• Wikipedia: Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
• Hville Blast: New restaurant in Madison among building permits
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
• NWI Times: Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant sets opening date in Schererville
• Google Search: Wine Restaurant Trends

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.