Story By: Preston Bennett
MONTEVALLO, Ala. – Sitting right on Main Street in Montevallo is Meri Moon, a restaurant that opened it’s doors in 2024. Even though they’ve only been around for a short time, the awards have already been coming their way.
They won restaurant of the year in 2025 from Shelby County Tourism, and 9 other awards from Shelby Living. Rachel Phillips and Sheryl Patton are the owners. Phillips says it feels great to have all the success they’ve had in such a short time.
“I’m really excited. I’ve met so many new people, and me and Cheryl laughed. When we became partners, we said between the two of us, we knew everyone in town, because I know a group of people and she knows a group of people. Then having the students here, I just want everyone in here as often as I can,” Phillips says.
The building where Meri Moon currently is was formerly Eclipse Coffee and Books, which was also owned by Patton. Before that, the building was home to The Strand Theatre, with photos of the theatre on the walls in Meri Moon.
The restaurant also has connections with other local businesses throughout Central Alabama, such as Medders Family Farm and June Coffee, as well purchasing items from Lucky’s Foodland, Pic ‘n Sav and Navarro’s Fresh Market in Montevallo. Phillips says she loves the partnerships she’s made.
“I love meeting other business owners. The more partnerships you have, the bigger your reach is,” Phillips says, “We try to purchase everything in town as we can. We want to keep as much of our money in Montevallo.”
Phillips says she wants to continue build new partnerships, and her goal going forward is to “keep choosing joy and keep up what we’ve already built.” She also says she loves the community and the diversity that comes with it.
“This community is unlike any one I’ve ever been in. You have the college students and the diversity that’s there, and then you have the locals that have been here forever; and they love Montevallo just like I do,” Phillips says.
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