Your guide to Huntsville’s oldest restaurants and businesses

Reviewed by: Brenna McIntosh

Reading time: 4 minutes

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Old Huntsville from the 1950s—Huntspatch was a popular Huntsville nickname
Historic Huntsville (Old Huntsville Magazine / Facebook)

Established in 1805, Huntsville was once a quiet cotton town but became a booming city once NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center brought thousands of engineers to the city. This ultimately earned Huntsville the beloved nickname “Rocket City.” Huntsville has a vibrant history and today we’re exploring, and today, its iconic historic shops and restaurants.

Shops

1. Harrison Brothers Hardware

shop local-opoly, Harrison Brothers
Harrison Brothers is located right off of the Huntsville courtyard. (Jacob Blankenship / Hville Blast)

Founded by brothers James B. and Daniel T. Harrison, Harrison Brothers Hardware has operated for more than 100 years. Harrison Brothers is a timeless shop. What was originally a hardware store has now turned into a shopping experience, from local artisan goods to kitchen supplies.

Fun fact: They still own and operate the original cash register from 1907.

2. Merrimack Hall

spooky
Merrimack Hall has been a community staple since its opening in 1890. (Cooper Smitherman / Hville Blast)

In 1920, Merrimack Manufacturing Company created a community center to help support the Merrimack Mill residents with entertainment and gathering spaces. Merrimack Hall is one of the only centers still standing from the original district.

Fun fact: Merrimack Hall is now a performance arts center with a dance studio and plenty of community spaces.

3. Star Super Market

Star Super Market in Five Points in Huntsville.
Star Super Market in Five Points in Huntsville. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

This star of a grocery store was started in 1944 by owner C.M. “Chick” Russell. Star Super Market still to this day is locally owned and operated.

Fun fact: Last year, February 22, Star Super Market celebrated 80 years of being open.

Restaurants

4. Big Ed’s Pizza

Big Ed’s Pizza restaurant. Pizzeria to get cheap meals.
Big Ed’s Pizza restaurant is an awesome place to find affordable food. (McCarley Northway/ Hville Blast)

Big Ed’s Pizza has been in business since 1961, and they have a menu full of flavorful pizza and wings. “Big Ed” Neusel passed the business down to Steve Denton, whose three children continue serving the Huntsville community, still making everything from scratch.

Fun fact: They still use the original seasoned gas ovens from the 1960s.

5. Big Spring Cafe

national chili day
Big Spring Cafe is going strong after being open for over a century. (Christian Stanfield / Hville Blast)

Big Spring Cafe has been open since 1922 and just so happens to be “Home of the Greasy Burger.” They have a full breakfast that is absolutely delicious.

Fun Fact: Big Spring Cafe was located on Jefferson Street until 2017 when it relocated to Governors Drive.

6. Peggy Ann Bakery

Peggy Ann Bakery has been open since the 1950s, and it still satisfies Huntsville’s sweet tooth.

Fun fact: They’ve kept to the same secret cupcake recipe since day one and continue to guard that special secret.

7. Stanlieo’s Sub Villa

stanlieos edited
One of Stanlieo’s is located off of Jordan. (Stanlieo’s of Huntsville / Facebook)

Stanelieo’s opened in the 1970s and is known for its amazing sandwiches, specifically the Kitchen Sink sub.

Fun fact: Stanlieo’s happens to have two different storefronts.

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Ryleigh Scott
Ryleigh Scott
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