2 in Alabama are James Beard finalists
An Alabama chef and restaurant are finalists in the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards competition. Timothy Hontzas, chef at Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood, is a finalist for Best Chef in the South, and Birmingham’s Bottega restaurant is a finalist for outstanding hospitality. Bottega is owned by Frank and Pardis Stitt, the team behind Highlands Bar & Grill, a previous Beard Award winner. – Bham Now
Census: Baldwin County continues to grow
The U.S. Census population estimates released Thursday say Baldwin County gained more than 7,000 residents from mid-2021 to mid-2022, the most of any county in Alabama. Over the last decade, Baldwin County added an average of 4,950 residents a year. – Fox 10
Auburn Buc-ee’s sets opening date
The newest Alabama location of Buc-ee’s, the mega-convenience store and gas station, will open April 10 in Auburn. Buc-ee’s Auburn, the state’s fourth location, boasts more than 53,470 square feet and 120 gas pumps. – AL.com
No one injured in Shoal Creek Mine incident
Peabody has confirmed a fire at its Shoal Creek Mine Wednesday. All mine personnel were safely evacuated during the incident at the mine, which is in Jefferson, Walker and Tuscaloosa counties. Shoal Creek employs about 419 workers, the company said. – Peabody
