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NEW 54-ROOM HOTEL AND POPULAR STEAKHOUSE COMING TO BAY MINETTE Bay Minette, Ala. – Cobblestone Hotels and Big Mike’s Steakhouse are bringing their recognizable names to Bay Minette, marking an exciting milestone in the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. These locations represent the success of ongoing collaboration between the City of Bay Minette, North Baldwin Utilities, the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, and other local partners, fueled by the momentum of Novelis’s transformative investment in the area. “The City of Bay Minette is very excited about the decision of Big Mike’s Restaurant and Cobblestone Hotels to locate in our downtown area,” said City of Bay Minette Mayor Bob Wills. “We have been working very hard over the past several years to bring new restaurants and hotels, not only for our city but in particular for our downtown. We believe that the addition of Big Mike’s and Cobblestone will act as a catalyst to bring more people to our downtown area, which will, in turn, make it more attractive for other restaurants and retailers to locate here.” Cobblestone Hotels, a rising star in modern hospitality with locations across the United States, will bring one of its Mainstreet by Cobblestone concepts to the corner of McMillian Avenue and D’Olive Street in downtown Bay Minette. The 40,000-square-foot hotel will have 54 rooms, including six extended stay suites, and offer amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, a complimentary hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Guests will immerse themselves in Bay Minette’s rich heritage, with each room featuring historical artwork that highlights the community’s unique charm. Cobblestone will create 10 new jobs, with construction estimated to begin in March 2025 and be open for Summer 2026. “There has long been a significant need for hotel rooms here,” continued Wills. “Not only will Cobblestone fulfill this need, but they will have the greater effect of bringing more groups to Bay Minette for various meetings, seminars, court-related events, and the like.” Complimenting this development is Big Mike’s Steakhouse — an Alabama favorite with six locations, including one in Orange Beach — which will soon open on North Hoyle Avenue in downtown Bay Minette. Known for its premium steaks and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant will offer afternoon and dinner service, creating an estimated 40 new jobs for the community. Construction will begin in the coming weeks, and the restaurant is estimated to be open in July 2025. “Big Mike’s has a great track record in other cities similar to us in bringing patrons to the downtown area,” said Wills. “We anticipate that they will be equally as successful in Bay Minette. Wills sees these projects as just the beginning of a new era of growth for Bay Minette. “The vibrancy of its downtown area is the key to the health and progress of any city. With the addition of Big Mike’s and Cobblestone Hotel, we are very optimistic and excited about the future of Bay Minette,” said Wills. These announcements come as Novelis, a global leader in aluminum recycling, makes progress on its $4.1 billion investment in an aluminum manufacturing facility set to create 1,000 jobs in North Baldwin. However, Novelis’s indirect impact is already benefitting the community as it is attracting more commercial activity. Bay Minette is experiencing steady growth, with more retail and accommodations expected to benefit residents for years to come. “The economic impact of Novelis in North Baldwin County is already evident, and we’re only beginning to see the ripple effects of this generational economic development project,” said Lee Lawson, President and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. “The arrival of Cobblestone Hotels and Big Mike’s Steakhouse reflects the growth and opportunity in Bay Minette, benefitting businesses and residents for years to come by bringing sales and lodging tax revenue and helping to revitalize downtown. I applaud the dedication of Mayor Bob Wills and Bay Minette leaders in driving these projects and meaningful progress for the community.” BCEDA is a coalition of local public and private professionals, leaders, and officials dedicated to fostering economic growth and prosperity in Baldwin County. The organization is committed to promoting Baldwin County as a premier location in the U.S. for investment and continuing to raise the quality of life in the community. For more information, visit www.baldwineda.com.