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Development plans are underway for enhancements at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market, as the Foley City Council recently approved the construction of a new kitchen and the installation of a sign along Miflin Road.

The kitchen, spanning 2,500-square-feet, aims to support local food entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses to meet growing demands, according to David Thompson, Executive Director of Leisure Services.

“We feel like there are multiple uses for it to assist the market, but also to serve as a jump start for some local businesses as well,” Thompson said.

McCollough Architects will oversee the project, ensuring its seamless integration into the site. Meanwhile, the sign, set to replace a structure removed during a construction project, will feature a listing of the market and neighboring businesses.

Thompson emphasized that the sign's design will complement the market's aesthetic without obstructing views of other businesses, such as the Wolf Bay Lodge.

“It’s very similar to the look and feel of the farmers market,” he said. “It’s going to be just in front of the retention pond on our property. It’s going to be on the farthest west side so it doesn’t interfere with Wolf Bay’s sign. So, we’re trying to make sure that it’s visible for both the Wolf Bay sign as well as our sign.”

Positioned near the retention pond on Miflin Road south of the market, the sign will stand approximately 25 feet tall and 12 feet wide.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich noted that businesses previously listed on the old sign will be included at no cost on the new one, with additional businesses able to join for a fee.

“We felt it was unfair to make them pay for the new sign since it wasn’t their responsibility and it was also an opportunity to upgrade the sign,” Hellmich said. “This is more reflective of our farmers market than our previous one.”

The Coastal Alabama Farmers' and Fishermens Market, located at 781 Farmers Market Lane in Foley, operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.