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By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce honored Heaton Pecan Farm in Clanton as its business of the month for November.

Heaton’s was recognized during a small ceremony Nov. 7 and awarded the accompanying sign.

“It feels great,” said Charlie Bridges, who co-owns the store with his wife Lisa. “It was kind of unexpected. We like working with (the Chamber), and we are trying to do our part for Clanton and Chilton County. We hope that our customers keep coming in.”

Lisa’s parents John and Billie Heaton started Heaton Pecan Farm in 1990.

“We had a shelling plant and a grove,” Lisa said. “I think they wanted to broaden their market. They had 48 acres in Thorsby.”

“They started in the mid ’60s,” Charlie said. “They started selling pecans on the side, and that developed into candies and then mail order. Eventually, it grew into this retail business.”

Heaton’s has a wide variety of items available at its store, which is located just off Exit 208 next door to Shoney’s.

Dessert-type items include candied pecans, chocolate-covered pecans, praline pecans, fudge and homemade ice cream. Charlie said all of the ice cream flavors are John’s recipes.

Heaton’s also offers items like soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch.

When it comes to the candy, Charlie said Heaton’s makes almost everything they sell in house.

“In the summer we offer whatever is fresh, like strawberries or peaches,” he said. “We offer Chilton County peaches when they are in season.”

Charlie and Lisa said they get many regular customers during the week, but on Fridays and the weekend they see more travelers stopping by.

“We depend upon the travelers coming in,” Charlie said. “It’s surprising. We get Snowbirds from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. They come through and stop by every year on their way to the beach.”

“It’s fun to get the travelers because you meet people from all over,” Lisa said.

For more information or for a list of available items, visit heaton.com.