Madison’s explosive growth in the last couple of decades is largely due to decisions made in the 1990s/early 2000s by city leaders who prioritized expanding the city residentially over commercially. While this had and still has tremendous economic (and other!) benefits, some current residents wish there were more novelty retail and restaurant options right here within our city limits.
I recently opened up a conversation on Instagram with All Things Madison followers about what businesses they’d jump for joy to discover are “coming soon”. I received nearly 100 responses; The following is a list of concepts and specific businesses mentioned numerous times.
Psst: Did you know that the City of Madison has a “Bring it to Madison!” form where they accept requests for businesses you’d like to see in our community? You can even share where you’d like the location to be! To fill out the form, click here.
Types of Businesses
A PARTY STORE
If you’re in need of party supplies and decor, big box stores such as Walmart, Target, and Dollar Tree are currently your best bet for a “one-stop-shop”.
The current closest party store is Party City, which is located at 6275 NW University Drive, Huntsville AL 35806.
SPIN/CYCLING STUDIO
A Madison cycling studio that was located on Hughes Road closed in early 2020. Cycling options are now left to gyms like Phaze 3.
The current closest indoor cycling facility is Zoom Indoor Cycling, which is located at 201 Jefferson St N, Unit G, Huntsville, AL 35801.
MORE “ORIGINAL TO MADISON” RESTAURANTS
While Madison is beginning to attract more brave, ambitious entrepreneurs that desire to open local concepts, the progress has been slow compared to chain concepts. Neighboring Decatur is stocked with local concepts though, many of the type that would be welcomed with open arms in Madison.
AN UPSCALE STEAKHOUSE
While not exactly a steakhouse, J. Alexander’s at Town Madison will boast a menu with many steak options. This restaurant is on track to open in mid-March 2022. Tom Brown’s Restaurant and Outback Steakhouse are Madison’s primary steakhouses.
LOCALLY-OWNED RESTAURANT WITH PRIMARILY HEALTHY/FRESH OPTIONS
Fresh Starts Cafe never reopened after the pandemic hit but definitely fit the bill for a locally-owned, novel, and healthy restaurant here in Madison. It was widely popular, and something similar may do well here again.
INDIAN RESTAURANT
If one is craving Indian food, the closest options are currently found in neighboring Huntsville.
The current closest Indian cuisine can be found at Sitar Indian Restaurant, which is located at 420 Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville, AL 35805.
Specific Businesses
COSTCO
This has been a long-desired and rumored request, though multiple sources say that this is a pipe dream and will likely never come to our city limits due to our close proximity to the Huntsville location.
The current closest Costco Wholesale is located at 1205 N Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL 35801.
WORLD MARKET
With the nearest World Market over 90 minutes away, the north Alabama area would be an ideal location for a World Market. Selecting Madison for its first North Alabama home would be a dream!
The current closest Cost Plus World Market is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
RAISING CANES
Though Raising Canes is incredibly popular with those who have relocated to the area from out of state, it seems somewhat unlikely that a location will pop up in Madison due to the addition of not one but two Slim Chickens, which features a similar menu. Super Chix is also coming to Madison. This is purely an opinion though, and hopefully Raising Canes will consider Madison (or North Alabama as a whole!) soon.
The current closest Raising Canes is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
JASON’S DELI
This popular sandwich shop would have little competition in Madison and would seemingly do well in a higher-traffic part of town.
The current closest Jason’s Deli is located at 1395 Enterprise Way NW, Huntsville, Alabama 35806.
NEWK’S
This is another sandwich/salad/soup shop that would have very little competition in Madison and would do well somewhere along Highway 20, Town Madison, or County Line.
The current closest Newk’s Eatery is located at 4925 NW University Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35816.
TRADER JOE’S
With the addition of a Trader Joe’s location in Huntsville, Madison is unlikely to see another location pop up here any time soon. It’s not impossible though!
The current closest Trader Joe’s location is at 1100 Mid City Drive NW, Huntsville, AL 35806.
NORDSTROM RACK
Nordstrom Rack is often found in cities like Huntsville, so it’s surprising that this popular retail store isn’t in North Alabama yet. It would be a huge win for Madison to score the first location in the area!
The closest Nordstrom Rack location is currently found in Brentwood, Tennessee.
FIRST WATCH
This mega-popular breakfast chain has locations all over the U.S., with the closest locations to Madison being in Birmingham and Chattanooga. Madison will see Maple Street Biscuit Company open later this year, though many believe that both concepts would succeed in our community.
The closest First Watch location is in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
LITTLE ROSIE’S
This is a frequent request by those who enjoy frequenting the Huntsville location and other concepts by the same owners. It is likely that Madison will see a concept by these owners in 2022. Stay tuned!
The current closest Little Rosie’s Taqueria is located at 4781 Whitesburg Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35802.
Do you know of a business coming soon to Madison that you’d like to share with the editor of All Things Madison? Click here to send a quick email sharing the news!
