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After being uprooted from her life in South Florida because of Hurricane Urma, Kathy Crook has planted her roots in Mckenzie, Alabama and has remodeled the old Opera House into a new sweets shop.

“We signed the lease to the building in July and we have been working since then to get everything together,” Crook said. “We have been keeping everything as original as possible because I love the old feeling of the building.”

Andy Gibson with Draft Stone Properties LLC is the main person renovating the Opera House. He is renovating the whole building, which will have three business spaces downstairs with Sweet Barn as the first tenant. Upstairs will be 7 upscale apartments, which should be ready by June.

Crook has been making fudge for a long time and has traveled all around selling her treats. Once the pandemic hit, Crook said she knew it would be a good time to set up shop.

“I just love being downtown,” Crook said. “I love the tiny little shops that Andalusia has. For the last couple of years, we have been selling at shows and stuff like that. When the pandemic hit, we decided to open a storefront. So, we reached out to Andalusia and we love the place.”

Crook said she is looking forward the most to serving the people in the community.

“I just love helping people,” Crook said. “I love giving them something that they enjoy and I love serving the downtown and small-town areas. We are very excited to be part of the community.”

Along with the fudge, Crook said there will be other treats, as well, depending on the season.

“The shop also has a gift shop featuring country decor, handmade soaps, pet gifts, jewelry, candles and seasonal items,” Crook said. “The main thing we are going to sell is the fudge though. We have 70 different flavors to choose from.”

The hours for the Sweet Barn are 10 a.m., until 7 p.m., during the holidays. Their opening day is Tuesday, December 15.

Sweet Barn is located on S. Three Notch Street directly across from Brooks Shoe Shop.