On September 5, a light rain did not dampen the spirits as a crowd gathered outside Mazzara’s Vinoteca on Gates Avenue to celebrate ChurchStreet Family Restaurant & Hospitality Group being named one of the top five Alabama Retailers of the Year for 2024. The recognition ceremony took place at the Humphreys-Rodgers House in the presence of notable figures, including Ashley Engles-Ross, vice president of Small Business at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, and David Little, President of the Huntsville City Council.
Matt and Stephanie Mell, owners of ChurchStreet Family Restaurant & Hospitality Group, which operates nine successful bars and restaurants in Huntsville and Athens, were chosen from among 62 nominees in the competitive Annual Sales More Than $5 Million category. The Alabama Retail Association, which revamped its award presentation approach due to the pandemic, opted for a more personal, community-focused ceremony, deviating from past ballroom events in Birmingham.
A Distinguished Achievement in the Hospitality Industry
Under light rain, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at Mazzara’s Vinoteca to honor the Mell couple, who have transformed their vision into a hospitality powerhouse. The event celebrating ChurchStreet Family Restaurant & Hospitality Group’s prestigious recognition was a testament to their ingenuity and dedication to the craft of hospitality. Several influential community figures, including Ashley Engles-Ross and David Little, participated in the ceremony, adding an air of formality and recognition to the occasion. The sheer number of nominees—62 to be exact—highlights how significant this achievement is for the Mell family and their expansive business operations.
David Little, President of the Huntsville City Council, gave voice to the community’s admiration by praising the Mells for their diversified approach to the hospitality business. According to Little, the Mells’ ability to operate nine distinct establishments while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and community involvement is nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did the Mells excel in terms of business operations, but their model for community engagement serves as a blueprint for others. The Alabama Retail Association, with its redesigned award format, aimed to make these moments more intimate and heartfelt, showing a deep appreciation for the contributions of local entrepreneurs.
The Visionaries Behind the Success
Matt and Stephanie Mell have built their empire on a robust business model that prioritizes both innovation and community ties. From the beginning, the Mells were unafraid to incorporate a variety of restaurant and bar concepts, thereby setting themselves apart in an industry that often sees homogeneity. This vision has paid off, as evidenced by the numerous accolades and the steadfast loyalty of their customer base. The Mells’ strategy involves not just recognizing emerging trends, but also anticipating community needs, creating a symbiotic relationship that few can claim to replicate.
As the recognition ceremony transitioned into a more intimate segment, Stephanie Mell took the stage to express gratitude on behalf of her husband and the entire team. The Mells attribute much of their success to the local government’s supportive framework and a business environment that fosters creativity and growth. With more than 90 employees across nine establishments, including roles as varied as hostesses, servers, bartenders, and chefs, the Mells understand that hospitality is, at its core, a collaborative endeavor. Their gratitude extended to every individual making a contribution, from line cooks to dishwashers, underscoring the importance of teamwork in maintaining operational excellence.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
Matt and Stephanie Mell have established their empire through a strong business model emphasizing innovation and community connections. From the outset, the Mells boldly embraced diverse restaurant and bar concepts, making them stand out in an industry often marked by sameness. This vision has clearly paid off, shown by numerous awards and a loyal customer base. The Mells’ strategy goes beyond identifying emerging trends; they anticipate community needs, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that is hard to replicate.
During an intimate segment of the recognition ceremony, Stephanie Mell took the stage to express her gratitude on behalf of her husband and their entire team. They credit much of their success to the local government’s supportive policies and a business environment that encourages creativity and growth. With over 90 employees across nine establishments, in roles like hostesses, servers, bartenders, and chefs, the Mells understand that hospitality is fundamentally a team effort. Their appreciation extended to everyone contributing, from line cooks to dishwashers, highlighting the critical role of teamwork in achieving operational excellence.
