Sibley hoping to restore tradition of Russellville's Northside Grocery

Russellville businessman Jim Sibley recently purchased Northside Grocery on Waterloo Road and he plans on renovating and reopening the long-standing local business that used to be a fixture for students and staff at Russellville City Schools.

When Northside Grocery burned in the fall of 2022, owner Bhupinder Cheema took no action to repair the building or property. Last March, City of Russellville Fire Marshal Justin Green spoke with Cheema about the status of repairs and safeguards to secure the property located at 1328 Waterloo Road.

Rather than making those requested improvements, Cheema sold the property to Sibley approximately six months ago.

In an January 4^th interview, Sibley told the FFP he is in need of a roofing contractor to replace the roof. Sibley invited any interested roofing contractor licensed in Russellvile to contact him at 256-710-4170.

Additionally, Sibley said the building's structural integrity remains intact, although ceiling and other repairs inside must be made before the business can be reopened.

“It needs a new roof and to replace some equipment inside. The cooler is fine as well as the heating system. Once we get a new roof and complete those other repairs, it will be ready to reopen,” Sibley said.

Sibley said his plans are to reopen Northside as an independent gas station and to lease the store. He hopes to add some deli items and groceries similar to what Northside offered years ago.

The fire caused extensive damage to the building's interior. Investigation by local fire department officials indicated the origin of the fire appeared to be an electrical accident, possibly in the break room or bathroom.

Northside Grocery has been a part of Russellville for more than 80 years, Sibley said, and he wants to see it reopened and operated as it was during its heyday.

“It's been there a long time and we'll try to keep that tradition there,” Sibley said. “You'll see the kind of convenience store it used to be. Like Mac's Market, for example, Northside is part of the history of this city and we want to continue that tradition.”