Cracker Barrel to Close 14 Maple Street Biscuit Locations
News Summary Cracker Barrel has announced plans to close 14 company-owned Maple Street Biscuit Company restaurants starting October 1, 2025. This change comes after a significant financial loss attributed to underperforming locations. While Maple Street expanded to 68 restaurants since its acquisition in 2019, the company has faced sluggish growth and performance issues, prompting a […]
Cracker Barrel to Close 14 Maple Street Biscuit Locations
News Summary Cracker Barrel has announced the closure of 14 Maple Street Biscuit Company restaurants, starting October 2025, as part of a strategic realignment following customer feedback. Despite previous expansion plans, the brand’s performance has led to a reevaluation, resulting in a reduction in future openings from 9-11 to 8-10 locations by the end of […]
Mark Callender Appointed New President and CEO of Great Southern Wood
News Summary Great Southern Wood has appointed Mark Callender as the new president and CEO, effective October 1. He succeeds founder Jimmy Rane, who will remain chairman of the board. Callender, with 34 years at the company, plans to continue the legacy of growth and excellence. Alongside this leadership change, Great Southern Wood will undergo […]
Russell Brands to Close Distribution Center in Alabama
News Summary Russell Brands LLC has announced the closure of its distribution operations in Alexander City, Alabama, effective September 29, 2025. This decision will result in nearly 80 job losses, following a WARN notice filed on August 1, 2025. The company, part of the Fruit of the Loom brand, has historically impacted the local economy, […]
Owens Corning to Build New Shingle Manufacturing Plant in Prattville
News Summary Owens Corning has announced plans to establish a new shingle manufacturing facility in Prattville, Alabama, investing approximately $325 million. This project aims to generate nearly 100 skilled jobs and is set to begin construction in early 2026. The 250,000-square-foot plant will utilize advanced technology to produce high-performing roofing products, enhancing the company’s manufacturing […]
Performance Drone Works Launches New Drone Manufacturing Facility
News Summary Performance Drone Works has opened its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Drone Factory 01, in Huntsville, Alabama. This 90,000-square-foot facility aims to produce 60,000 drones annually, addressing the critical reliance on foreign-made drones by law enforcement. With plans to hire over 500 workers and an estimated $81 million economic impact, PDW seeks to bolster America’s […]
Y’all Sweet Tea Secures $500,000 Investment on Shark Tank
News Summary Alabama entrepreneurs Darien Craig and Brandon Echols made waves on Shark Tank, securing a $500,000 investment for their beverage brand, Y’all Sweet Tea. The duo accepted an offer from notable investors, Rashaun Williams and Lori Greiner, in exchange for a 15% equity stake. With prior sales exceeding $10.3 million and a growing retail […]
Regions Financial Faces Backlash Over Progressive Policies
News Summary Regions Financial, a major bank founded in Alabama, is facing criticism from local consumers for its support of progressive causes, including a $14.6 million donation to Black Lives Matter. Concerns have been raised over the bank’s potential alienation of traditional customers and the implications of its corporate governance practices. The 1792 Exchange categorizes […]
Rick Pate Declares Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor
News Summary Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate has announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor. Supported by a coalition of business leaders, Pate aims to leverage his extensive experience in both business and public service to promote economic growth in Alabama. The campaign focuses on cutting regulations, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. With primary elections approaching, […]
Danne Howard Appointed as First Female President of AlaHA
News Summary In a historic move, Danne Howard has been appointed as the first female President and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association (AlaHA), effective July 1, 2025. This significant leadership shift comes after Dr. Don Williamson’s decade-long tenure. Howard, with nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare policy and operations, will lead AlaHA as […]