Meet the Favorite Small Businesses of Residents in Dale County

Last month, the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC) asked residents to share their favorite small businesses in the region. We wanted to see what companies, service providers, and cooks made you proud to live in Dale County. The results are in, and residents have nominated three small businesses for this showcase.

“There are dozens of small businesses across Ozark and Dale County as a whole,” says Holle Smith, President of the ODEDC. “It’s impossible to mention them all, but we still wanted to pause and recognize their value during Small Business Week.”  

Here are a few favorite places to visit in Dale County and why their customers love them.  

3 Scoops Ice Cream Parlor & Deli  

Anyone craving a sweet treat can visit 3 Scoops Ice Cream Parlor & Deli at 158 East Broad St. In addition to milkshakes, ice cream cakes, and sundaes with a variety of toppings, this shop offers savory menu items for families looking for an affordable bite to eat. Brittany Galland, who nominated the shop, says Bill and Shauna Burk (the owners) deserve to be recognized for their efforts. 

“I love this local business because they genuinely treat everyone who comes through their doors like family,” says Galland. “The place is always inviting, bright, and colorful, the food is delicious, and the people behind the counter are just so pleasant. We never want to leave!”

Enjoy a sweet customer service experience while picking up a scoop of ice cream at 3 Scoops Ice Cream Parlor & Deli. 

Front Porch Quilt Shoppe 

No one can visit the Front Porch Quilt Shoppe once. The store owners constantly change their inventory and add new fabrics, notions, and other essential accessories to make the quilting process more enjoyable. Melodie Lauer, who nominated the Front Porch Quilt Shoppe, appreciates the variety of products offered, which allows her to pick the perfect items.

This family-owned business relies on volunteers to keep the store open. There are quilting classes for beginners, and class sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure each student gets the attention they need. Whether you are a seasoned quilter or curious about the craft, the Front Porch Quilt Shoppe is a must-stop in Ozark.  

Vittles Cafe 

Vittles Cafe is another popular restaurant in Ozark, Alabama. It’s a great option for hearty meals, whether you're stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Check before you go to learn about any special items the chef has prepared.

“The owners have worked hard to create a family-oriented down-home cooking establishment,” says an anonymous diner who wanted to share their experience. “It is just like walking into your grandma's house, being greeted and getting your belly full.”

The Vittles Cafe family enjoys celebrating with diners and is a top choice in town for birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions. If you are dining with kids, don’t forget to ask for coloring sheets! 

B2B Small Businesses are Valued, Too!

When the average consumer thinks about small businesses, they often picture their favorite coffee shop or the barber they have visited for years. However, B2B companies are just as valuable to the small business ecosystem. Get to know some of the organizations that choose to reside in Dale County. On the technology side, you can find environmentally-focused companies like Arichem and SetaTech. If you want to learn about a business that employs multiple generations of employees, read about Ozark Striping.

Every business contributes to the local economy and makes Dale County a diverse place to do business. 

Dale County Has a Thriving Entrepreneurial Environment

Ozark-Dale County is a great place to open a business. Residents love supporting their neighbors and are eager for new restaurants, shops, and amenities. If you are an entrepreneur or considering opening a business, contact the ODEDC. We can connect you with The Incubator in the Ozark Technology Center and share resources to help your organization grow.

If you aren’t an entrepreneur, celebrate small businesses this week by visiting your favorite local companies. Your purchase makes a big difference and allows them to grow!