Former Restaurant Owner John Cassimus To Open Business In Pelham

PELHAM, AL - John Cassimus has made a name for himself as a restaurant entrepreneur, having owned Zoe's Kitchen, Maki Fresh and Miss Dot's. But Cassimus announced this week he is leaving the restaurant business to go into retail.

A report by Alabama Media Group said Cassimus has sold all of his restaurant holdings to open a franchise of Guntersville-based Mike's Merchandise in Pelham. The new 26,000 square-foot Mike's Merchandise, which is expected to open this month, will specialize in deeply discounted goods, including construction products, hardware, appliances, homewares, baby products, clothing and more.

Cassimus grew Zoe's Kitchen into a franchise that includes more than 250 locations throughout the Southeast. He sold the majority of his ownership in the business in 2007, and the reaming interest in the business - as well as his other restaurants - recently, saying he was ready to move on to another venture.

Mike's Merchandise is located 2760 Pelham Parkway in Pelham. Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 pm and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo courtesy of John Cassimus