Carlisle’s, a century-long fixture in downtown Alexander City, will reopen soon under new leadership although the exact timeframe is not set due to ongoing work in the building.
Owners Larkin Radney and Kenny Riley, who have owned the building since 2005, will now operate the soda fountain. Radney said Half Moon Market & Interiors will sell interior gifts in the business’ shop space.
“We’re very happy to get it open again and hopefully we’ll be opening shortly,” Radney said. “We’ve got several things going on and it depends on how quickly we can finish these projects.”
Former Carlisle’s owners Daniel and Lisa Champion closed the store in March. Radney said in a previous interview he and Riley were looking for a replacement tenant to operate the soda fountain.
Half Moon Market & Interiors co-owner Vickie Herring said she and co-owner Robin Larkin owned Madison House on Main Street when they were approached by Radney about moving into Carlisle’s retail space after it closed. Herring said they will sell inventory different from their previous store such as art and jewelry.
“We’re really excited about our new inventory and we’re really excited about being in a new space,” Herring said.
Radney said he isn’t sure when Carlisle’s will open because they are still making adjustments to the space, including a bathroom compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“As soon as we get all of that done we will open up and hope everyone will come and see us and enjoy what we have to offer,” Radney said.
Radney said many people have asked him when Carlisle’s will reopen.
“It’s just a place that everybody goes to,” Radney said. “We’re looking forward to putting it back actively.”
Radney said the soda fountain’s menu will feature the same food in addition to new dishes such as steamed sandwiches and specialty soups. The soda fountain will still feature its limeades and milk shakes but will have new ice cream.
New tile and decorations are in place at Carlisle’s but Radney said it will still look like the old store. The soda fountain has new equipment.
“We’re very anxious for the public to come in and see what we’ve done and see how they like it,” Radney said.
Carlisle’s new hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, according to Radney.
“We think it’s a great opportunity and it will also continue a tradition downtown,” Radney said. “It’s been there since 1914 so we’re extremely excited to be able to do this and look forward to doing it. It’s going to be fun and I hope it’s going to be good.”