Business of the Week
Every week, we spotlight a local business that makes Auburn and Opelika a great place to live. These are the people and places that make this community special — the spots worth knowing about whether you're a longtime local or new to the area.
The Hound
124 Tichenor Ave, Auburn, AL 36830
The Hound is a family-owned restaurant and bar in downtown Auburn that opened in March 2012. Founded by husband-and-wife team Matthew Poirier and Jana Caruthers Poirier (both Auburn graduates), the restaurant operates under the tagline "Bacon and Bourbon" and has become a culinary staple in the Auburn food scene. All bacon is cured, cut, and processed in-house from heritage breed Berkshire pork sourced in part from the owners' family farm. The menu features over-the-top Southern and American classics with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including signature dishes like the Bacon Flight, Gulf Shrimp and Grits, the Berkshire pork chop, and the BTA sandwich. Award-winning chef Robbie Nicolaisen leads the kitchen. The bar offers top-shelf bourbon and 28 rotating craft beers on tap. Housed in the former Lee County Bulletin printing press building, the restaurant features a hunting lodge-inspired atmosphere with deer antler chandeliers, vintage lanterns, and original dark cedar tables. Rated 4.5 stars with over 650 reviews on TripAdvisor, The Hound is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Auburn and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022.
Spotlight
This week we are featuring The Hound, a family-owned restaurant and bar in downtown Auburn that opened in March 2012. Located at 124 Tichenor Avenue in the former Lee County Bulletin printing press building, the restaurant was founded by Auburn graduates Matthew Poirier and Jana Caruthers Poirier. The Hound is known for its Bacon and Bourbon concept with all bacon cured in-house from heritage breed Berkshire pork, seasonal Southern and American classics, and an extensive bourbon selection with 28 rotating craft beers on tap. The hunting lodge-inspired interior with deer antler chandeliers and dark cedar tables has made it a destination for locals and visitors alike. Led by award-winning chef Robbie Nicolaisen, it is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Auburn and is a member of Sweet Grown Alabama, emphasizing local sourcing.
A new business is featured every week. Check back often to discover the best local spots in Auburn and Opelika — community favorites worth knowing about.
Why this week's feature stands out.
Every business we spotlight has something that makes it worth a visit — whether it's the quality of what they offer, their role in the community, or the story behind how they got started.
Downtown Auburn
Located at 124 Tichenor Ave in downtown Auburn, housed in the historic former Lee County Bulletin printing press building, steps from Toomer's Corner
Family Operation
Founded by Auburn graduates Matthew Poirier and Jana Caruthers Poirier, who cure and process all bacon in-house from Berkshire pork sourced from their family farm
Top-Rated
Rated 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor with over 650 reviews, consistently ranked among the top five restaurants in Auburn
Award-Winning Kitchen
Led by award-winning chef Robbie Nicolaisen, the kitchen emphasizes locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and is a member of Sweet Grown Alabama
Previously spotlighted businesses.
Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers
An independent bookstore and coffee shop in the historic downtown courthouse building on East Magnolia Avenue, named after the original Auburn Oil Co. service stations from the 1950s. Known for a curated selection of books, author-themed drinks, and regular events. Recognized as one of the coolest independent bookstores in Alabama.
Zazu Gastropub
A five-level restaurant in downtown Opelika housed in a historic building with exposed brick, reclaimed beams, and gas lanterns. Known for scratch-made Southern and American comfort food and credited with helping revitalize downtown Opelika's dining scene.
Stinson Breads
A downtown Opelika artisan bakery that started as a home sourdough project and opened its brick-and-mortar storefront in 2024, known for naturally leavened breads, European pastries, and named 2025 Emerging Retailer of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association.
Red Clay Brewing Company
A downtown Opelika craft brewery in a renovated historic warehouse, known for its self-serve tap wall with up to 17 rotating beers, house-made pizza, and live music.
Hamilton's On Magnolia
A Magnolia Avenue staple for over 20 years, known for its diverse menu spanning catfish, crab cakes, and seasonal catches — located one block from Toomer's Corner in downtown Auburn.
Bitty & Beau's Coffee
A specialty coffee shop built around inclusive employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, located on Gay Street in downtown Auburn.
Toomer's Drugs
A fixture on Toomer's Corner since 1896, known for hand-dipped milkshakes and the iconic game day tradition.
Past features are archived here. Each business is featured only once within a 3-month period to ensure a diverse rotation of local spots.
Get your business featured.
Know a local business that deserves a shout-out? Or own one yourself? We love highlighting the people and places that make our community great.
Request a SpotlightA business is selected
Each week a local favorite is chosen — either one discovered organically or one recommended by the community.
The spotlight is written
A visit, an honest assessment, and a genuine editorial feature — not a paid ad, just a real take.
The community discovers it
The feature goes live on the site and social channels, connecting great local businesses with new customers.
Know a business that should
be featured?
We're always looking for great local businesses to spotlight. Submit a recommendation or tell us about your own business.