Watermelon Alley Memories Spark New Business in Cottondale

By Shelia Mader

Cottondale native Jillian Diesner is bringing a touch of hometown nostalgia back to life with her new business, located at 2652 Church Street, just off Highway 231. The shop, which opened quietly last week, will celebrate its official community open house on Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 a.m. until supplies run out.

The name “Watermelon Alley” pays tribute to a stretch of Highway 231 that, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, was once lined on both sides with produce and watermelon stands. Diesner’s own connection to that tradition runs deep, she grew up working at one of the stands operated by her aunt and uncle.

“I wanted to bring back some of that feeling,” Diesner said. “It feels good to do something positive for the community I grew up in.” A 1991 graduate of Cottondale High School, she sees the shop as a way to give back to her hometown roots.

Currently, the store offers a selection of seasonal fresh produce, Southern Craft Creamery ice cream and dairy products, Register’s smoked sausages, assorted snacks, candies, bottled drinks, iced teas, coffees, and slushies. While the inventory is modest for now, Diesner plans to expand as the business grows.

Saturday’s open house will include free samples, hot dogs, games like cornhole, and activities for children. The City of Cottondale will also hold a ribbon-cutting to officially welcome the business.

Diesner has not finalized regular operating hours yet but anticipates being open Tuesday through Saturday, closed on Sundays and Mondays. Kathy Baxley will serve as general manager.

The shop’s latest updates and seasonal offerings can be found on its Facebook page. Diesner invites everyone to stop by, enjoy some local flavors, and relive a bit of Cottondale history.