Mobile Business Roundup: Cuddly Cookies Heads to Hillwood, Walmart Remodel and a Downtown Restaurant Listing
Cuddly Cookies is coming to the Hillwood Shopping Center, Walmart has reopened its remodeled Theodore Dawes Road Neighborhood Market, and the former Slurp Society space downtown is listed for $399,000. Plus new hires, a business sale and upcoming events.
MOBILE, Ala. — A new cookie shop is coming to west Mobile, a Theodore-area Walmart has finished a remodel, and a turnkey downtown restaurant space is on the market. Here is this week’s Mobile business roundup, with news from around Mobile and Baldwin counties.
Cuddly Cookies coming to Hillwood Shopping Center
Cuddly Cookies has leased 1,150 square feet next to Publix in the Hillwood Shopping Center at 2370 Hillcrest Road in Mobile, according to Chris Harle of White-Spunner Realty, who represented the landlord. The cookie store plans to open by the end of this year.
The Hillwood center sits along Hillcrest Road in west Mobile, a busy retail corridor anchored by the Publix grocery store.
Walmart reopens remodeled Neighborhood Market on Theodore Dawes Road
Walmart has marked the reopening of its newly remodeled Neighborhood Market at 7320 Theodore Dawes Road. The investment includes:
- Updated branding and modern signage
- An updated pharmacy
- A refreshed bakery layout
- A refrigerated pet food section
Walmart’s Neighborhood Market stores are smaller-format grocery and pharmacy locations, designed for quicker trips than the company’s supercenters.
Former Slurp Society space listed downtown
A restaurant property at 69 St. Michael St. in downtown Mobile is listed for $399,000 by Josh Hall of CRE Mobile. The turnkey space, formerly home to the ramen restaurant Slurp Society, offers bar space and an operating kitchen. Slurp Society served its final day at the location at the end of September.
Downtown Mobile Alliance unveils new brand
The Downtown Mobile Alliance has launched a new brand created to give a cohesive identity to the downtown entities it oversees, including Main Street Mobile, BID Services and Downtown Dining. The Alliance also launched a new website and refreshed its newsletter.
The Alliance works to promote and manage downtown Mobile, including services provided through the downtown business improvement district.
Eastern Shore Lanes adds go-karts and mini golf
Eastern Shore Lanes, 10460 Eastern Shore Blvd. in Spanish Fort, held a ribbon-cutting for its new go-kart and mini golf attractions. The additions are part of an ongoing investment by the bowling center to create a destination where families, businesses, organizations and visitors can gather, play and celebrate.
Gulf Coast advisory firm closes Emerald Coast Growers deal
Transworld Business Advisors of the Gulf Coast completed a transaction between Emerald Coast Growers and the private investment firm Green Street Growth. Transworld served as mergers and acquisitions adviser to Emerald Coast Growers’ shareholders, with President Bill Kleinschrodt leading the sell-side advisory process.
Emerald Coast Growers is a leading supplier of ornamental grass liners, perennial starter plants and specialty plants throughout North America. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
People in business
Jonathan Jones named chief credit officer at Merchants & Marine Bank
Jonathan Jones has been named chief credit officer and will join the executive leadership team at Merchants & Marine Bank, a division of TownBridge Bank. Jones previously served as senior business banker and senior vice president.
Evan Mahone passes CPA exam
Evan Mahone of Wilkins Miller LLC has passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant exam. Mahone joined the firm as an associate in 2022 while completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in accounting at the University of South Alabama. He was promoted to senior associate in 2024, earned his Master of Accountancy from the University of West Florida in 2025 and was promoted to supervisor in 2026.
The CPA exam is a four-part test required for licensure as a certified public accountant, and candidates must pass all sections to qualify.
Health and wellness
USA Health offers fall cooking classes
The USA Health Integrative Health and Wellness Program has launched a series of fall cooking classes focused on nutrition education, healthy meal preparation and practical cooking skills. Classes are held in the teaching kitchens at the Mapp Family Campus in Fairhope and University Commons in Mobile.
The fall schedule continues through Nov. 17, with classes covering healthy proteins, plant-forward cooking, healthy carbohydrates and healthy holiday meals. Hands-on classes are $30 for community members.
Coming up
Foley Main Street will host “Ready. Set. Shine! Supercharge Your Business’s Online Presence,” an interactive workshop, on Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. at Riviera Utilities, 413 E. Laurel Ave. in Foley. Admission is $25 for non-Foley Main Street members and includes a light dinner.
Baldwin Bone & Joint is a partner for this year’s Gulf Coast Paddle & Racket Battle on Nov. 7 at W.O. Lott Park in Daphne. The pickleball-only tournament features 60 teams and 120 players, with proceeds benefiting the Rapahope Children’s Retreat Foundation.
