CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday approved an economic development agreement tied to a proposed Rural King store, advancing a project officials said would bring a $14 million investment, about 45 full-time jobs and a major new retail presence to Cullman.
According to information released by Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Jamie Troutman, the project is planned for approximately 10 acres along Olive Street Southwest across from Rock N Roll Sushi.
Troutman said the project is expected to create about 45 full-time jobs.
The agreement approved by the council included a one-time $800,000 infrastructure payment, split evenly between the City of Cullman and the Cullman County Industrial Development Authority at $400,000 each.
Under the public packet, the payment was not to be made up front. Instead, it will be paid in a single lump sum within 30 days after the official opening date of the Cullman store.
The agenda listed the item as Resolution No. 2026-88, a development agreement with Rural King Realty, LLC, for construction of an approximately 90,000-square-foot store.
The packet stated the public money was intended for infrastructure improvements directly related to the project.
It also stated Rural King had told local officials that rising construction and labor costs, along with certain required public infrastructure improvements, made financial assistance necessary.
The packet did not specify in detail which infrastructure improvements the $800,000 would cover.
The agreement was approved under Amendment 772, which allows local governments to provide incentives for economic development projects when officials determine the expenditure serves a valid and sufficient public purpose despite any incidental private benefit.
In approving the agreement, the city adopted findings stating the project is expected to create new tax revenue, support schools, promote adaptive reuse of a high-visibility area, bring new commercial activity to underutilized property, improve the area’s appearance and vibrancy and expand jobs and economic development in Cullman.
Mayor Woody Jacobs said the project represents more than the addition of another retail store.
“This project represents more than just a new retail location. It’s an investment in the quality of life for our residents,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs said Rural King would add shopping options and jobs while strengthening Cullman’s appeal as a place to live, work and spend time.
“Rural King will provide new shopping options, create jobs and continue to make Cullman a place where people want to live, work and spend their time,” he said.
Troutman said the store is projected to generate an estimated $22 million in annual sales during its first year of operation.
She described Rural King as a destination retailer that typically draws customers from a trade area of 30 miles or more.
According to company estimates, about 40% of the store’s sales are expected to come from outside Cullman and Cullman County, bringing new dollars into the local economy and increasing activity for nearby retail businesses, restaurants and fuel stations.
County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons said the project will strengthen the county’s economic footing.
“Rural King is a strong addition for Cullman County as a whole,” Clemons said. “With significant sales, this project brings new revenue into our county and strengthens our overall economic base.”
The project is projected to generate about $467,000 in additional funding for local education in its first year of operation, including about $287,000 for Cullman County Schools and $180,000 for Cullman City Schools.
Over the next 20 years the investment is expected to contribute nearly $12 million to local schools. Total projected revenue from the project over that same period is estimated at more than $31 million.
Jason Grimmett, chairman of the Cullman County Industrial Development Authority, said the project could help attract additional development.
“The addition of Rural King further positions our community as a regional retail destination,” Grimmett said. “This type of investment builds momentum and enhances our ability to recruit additional retail, restaurant and commercial development to Cullman and Cullman County.”
Construction has already begun moving forward, according to Troutman.
The building has been ordered through Inland Buildings, and site preparation is underway by Manning Construction.
In addition to the $14 million investment and 45-job threshold, the company is required to operate the store at the site for at least five years after opening and provide reasonable documentation of project progress, capital expenditures and job creation upon request.
The agreement also states the company will use commercially reasonable efforts to open by Dec. 31, 2026, unless unforeseen delays occurred.
It also includes a clawback provision.
If the company fails to substantially satisfy one or more of its obligations, other than because of force majeure or events beyond its reasonable control, it will have to repay a pro-rata portion of the infrastructure payment based on the extent of nonperformance as reasonably determined by the city and county.
Any repayment would be due within 60 days of written demand.
Rural King describes itself as “America’s Farm and Home Store.”
The company started in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1960 and has grown to more than 130 stores across 13 states.
Its current Alabama locations includ Albertville, Dothan, Huntsville, Jasper, Muscle Shoals, Prattville and Saraland.
Monday’s vote places Cullman among a growing list of Alabama communities with Rural King locations while also committing public incentive dollars to help secure the project locally.
Resolution No. 2026–88: https://cullmanal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nb2-042026.pdf
