Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
80 years + 4 generations: How Huntsville’s premium furniture + garden destination actually began as a feed store
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Local Huntsville business Brooks & Collier has established itself as a premium home and garden destination in North AL—but it began in 1946 as a humble feed and seed store.
We sat down with fourth-generation owner Foster Brooks to learn about one of Huntsville’s oldest family-owned businesses as they gear up for their 80th anniversary this September.
Brooks & Collier celebrates 80 years since opening
The Brooks & Collier team is celebrating its 80th Anniversary on Saturday, September 26, 2026—stop by to congratulate them!
- Where: 813 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, Saturday 10AM-4PM
North AL’s destination for premium outdoor furniture, grills + plants
👆 Tap any image and swipe through for a look inside Brooks & Collier (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)
Brooks & Collier has two acres of inventory to browse (yes, that much!) and is an experience to visit. Their specialty is outdoor furniture and all things home, garden and grills—all paired with one-of-a-kind pieces to help complete your indoor and outdoor living spaces.
What you can find inside:
- Premium Outdoor Furniture:
- The largest selection of in-stock outdoor furniture in the Southeast, featuring 25+ industry-leading brands
- Shop dozens of collections ready to take home, with special-order options available to customize your space
- Indoor furniture: Home furnishings, accent pieces + upholstery from respected interior brands—with something for every style
- Grills, Outdoor Kitchens + Accessories: Big Green Egg (Platinum Dealer!), Blaze, Yoder, Napoleon, Challenger Carts, rubs, spices + more
- Specialty Plants + Garden Center: A wide selection of indoor + outdoor plants from Japanese Maples + Boxwoods to specialty houseplants, seasonal finds, concrete statuary, plant containers + more
- Indoor + Outdoor Decor: Local artwork, imports, rugs, lighting, antique treasures, and unexpected finds (like a huge 1800s olive jar from Italy!)
Perks of supporting this local business:
- Go home with your pieces same-day from on-site inventory
- Styling input from their expert staff
- Service that feels like family
4 generations + the journey from feed store to furniture destination
As Huntsville evolved from an agriculture hub to Alabama’s largest city, Foster has watched his family’s business grow and evolve with it.
See how each generation has influenced the business over the years:
- Great-grandfather (T.E. Brooks): Founded a feed store with local Ernest Collier to serve Huntsville’s farmers
- Grandfather (Billy) + grandmother (Doris): Opened the garden center + introduced outdoor furniture
- Fun fact: Foster’s grandmother opened a second location down the road in 1987 and was known for her extravagant Christmas displays.
- Father (Greg): Sourced treasures from around the world + created reputation for unique, imported pieces
- Foster: Introduced commercial styling services + established as North AL’s largest dealer for gas grills
Now, Foster’s two kids (+ one on the way!) are the fifth generation.
I asked Foster to reflect on how his perception of his family business has changed over the years:
“I grew up here, so I used to come down when my parents were working — I’d just play. My perception then…I thought this was a giant playground, playing in the mulch piles and running through the sprinkler systems.
I graduated from Auburn University in 2015 with a Marketing and Supply Chain degree. I went out and worked in the corporate world to see what that was like, knowing that I was always going to come home to work in the family business.
Once I started working here full time, I really changed my mindset to that career mentality—I wanted to be part of the change and take Brooks & Collier to the next level as Huntsville continues to grow.
Now to this day, when I come to water the plants when the shop is closed, I bring my son. I’ll cut the irrigation on and let him run around and have his own little splash pad like I did.”
Foster Brooks
Foster has accomplished a lot in the last 10 years since joining the business, including opening a dedicated commercial furniture division just across the street.
Some local spots with the Brooks & Collier Commercial styling touch include One Eleven (in downtown Huntsville) and Dolce Amore (coming soon to Providence).
Current owner Foster’s vision for the business
Foster has worked in the shop every weekend since he was 24, and became the official new owner in 2026.
He says the biggest business lessons he learned from his family are to build relationships, be hospitable and stand by what you say and what you sell.
“Anyone who chooses to come shop with us — especially when they come back — that means a lot. We want Brooks & Collier to feel like a destination, not just a store.”
Foster Brooks, Owner of Brooks & Collier
Visit Brooks & Collier for yourself and tell them we sent you! Psst: there may be a fluffy family dog at the door to greet you!
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