By Elmore Autauga News Staff
EAN Photos by Heather Knight
Recently it was announced that the very popular Grove Station restaurant is leaving Tallassee and making a move to historic downtown Wetumpka.
Grove Station Owner Corrie Sid purchased Wetumpka’s Our Place Cafe in 2024 and is excited about locating a second restaurant with Grove Station in historic downtown. The will be located in the Overton Building, which was purchased by Jamie and Cathy Thornton in January 2024. The Thorntons are renovating the building in preparation for Grove Station to move the business.
The unveiling saw a packed street with plenty of excitement. Speakers included Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, Overton building owner Cathy Thornton and Grove Station owner Corrie Sid. Sid spoke to the media after the unveiling, saying she is so thankful for the Wetumpka community and officials which have been very welcoming.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for me and allows me to expand what I was doing in Tallassee. It allows me to work with a city that is committed to small business, which is super important to me. It gives my staff here at Our Place and Wetumpka other opportunities for employment. It allows me to bring jobs. It allows me to offer what I know about food to the downtown community of Wetumpka.”
Sid said she knew she wanted to move from the Tallassee community and began contacting other areas. But she felt Wetumpka stood out and accepted her with open arms. Officials told her they believed there was a wonderful opportunity available.
As for moving into an older building, she said she had the same experience when she opened Grove Station in Tallassee.
“Older buildings have amazing charm and amazing challenges,” Sid said. “Luckily I am aware of all the things I need to do to be ensure this building is ready to go.”
“This is the last empty building in downtown Wetumpka, ” said Mayor Willis. “We are so thankful for everyone that’s investing in our town.”
This long-vacant building is getting a new life thanks to the Thorntons, the City of Wetumpka, and the Wetumpka Downtown Redevelopment Authority, which are helping to bring new business to town. Wetumpka has seen an amazing renaissance over the past several years. A tornado that caused major destruction in the city several years ago was devastating, but from the ruins came a new energy that is palpable. It took community leaders, officials and agencies coming together for a plan for downtown. Officials have said watching this plan fall into place is the reward for untold hours, studies, and huge input from residents and business owners.
“We love this town, and we are honored to be part of this transition and for the partnership with the city and the redevelopment authority,” said owner Corrie Sid.
Sid said the new Grove Station will have many of the elements customers have come to expect, but will not include a full butcher shop. She did not want to compete with the very popular George’s Butcher Shop, already located in Wetumpka. Early plans are to get the bakery in place, then continue with the overall development of the new Grove Station.
“It is important for us to get our baker over here and up and running. She is baking now for some of our local coffee shops,” Sid said.
Sid said once completed, the entire building will be easily accessible from either side. Customers can stop by the bakery and continue to walk through and pick up a sandwich from the deli, a bottle of wine, or enjoy a full dining experience.
“What I am bringing here is a marketplace. It has a deli, a bakery, a fine dining experience, a wine and beer store and delicious food.”
Grove Station will be a specialty food market and gathering space featuring high-quality eats, an artisanal bakery and amazing culinary experiences. The plan is to have the bakery portion open for business within six to eight months with the other offerings completed within eight to 10 months.
The EA News welcomes Grove Station to Wetumpka, and we believe the city will add another jewel to the crown of historic Wetumpka.
