SOUTHSIDE, AL — Smokeneck Farm & Garden/General Store marked its fourth anniversary on Saturday, July 19, with a celebration featuring food trucks, local small businesses, and plenty of the laid-back, friendly atmosphere the store is known for.
Opened in July 2021 by George and Patsy Illif, Smokeneck Farm & Garden set out to be more than just another store. From day one, the goal was to create a place where customers feel like family.
“When Patsy and I decided to open Smokeneck Farm & Garden, we wanted to do something different,” said owner George Illif. “We don’t just want your business. We want you to enjoy your visit. We’ll talk with you, laugh with you, and even harass you a little like family. This world is too serious sometimes, at Smokeneck, we don’t do serious. We do laid-back and friendly.”
The store invites guests to sit around the table, rock in a rocking chair, sip coffee, snack, tell stories, and relax. “We don’t meet strangers here,” George added. “We meet new friends.”
The anniversary also marked the unveiling of Smokeneck’s brand-new sign, a long-awaited upgrade made possible through the generosity of friends and family. George expressed his gratitude to a friend who funded the sign panels, Tommy Hughes for removing the old sign and setting the new post, Daniel Hamaker for fitting the panels and adding LED lights, and his son Dustin for assisting with installation.
“It’s been needed for a long time, and now there’s no excuse for not knowing where we’re located,” George said with a smile. “We’ve even got more directional signage coming soon.”
Smokeneck Farm & Garden has grown into a true country mercantile store, offering a welcoming space where shopping local means being appreciated and recognized.
“If you haven’t stopped in, we look forward to seeing you,” George said. “And if you have stopped in, welcome home.”
Smokeneck Farm & Garden is located in Southside, Alabama. The store is family-owned and operated, and the door is always open.
2191 Hwy 77 Southside, AL, United States, Alabama 35907
256-485-1155
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