Business changes hands
BY SAM VISE | FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — For years, The Bottling Plant has been more than just a building in downtown Opelika — it’s been the backdrop for countless memories, from weddings and concerts to community fundraisers.
Now, the event center is set to undergo a transition as it welcomes new owners — Scott and Julie Brown, owners of Whistle Stop Bottle & Brew — ushering in a new phase for the historic venue and the city it serves.
Before it became the event space it is today, the building that sits at 614 N. Railroad Ave. had a different kind of fizz. Opened in 1938, the former Coca-Cola bottling facility was once a cornerstone of Opelika’s economy and community life.
During its heyday, it wasn’t just bottling the iconic soft drink, it was a comprehensive operation where syrup was made, bottles were filled and distribution was managed.
The plant continued its full operations until the 1970s when syrup production ceased. It then transitioned to solely distribution until it ultimately closed its doors in 2004. The building, once bustling with activity, lay vacant for four years.
“I had been working towards someday owning a unique venue,” said Lisa Ditchkoff, former owner. “I had no idea it would be [at this location] for quite a few years. I started my first business in 2003 after my brother passed away, it was an event planning business. So basically, I started that as a stepping stone to someday owning a unique venue.”
In 2008, Ditchkoff drove by the empty building and saw the for sale sign and knew she had to take a look.
“I came in and basically, I saw rat traps and holes in the ceiling, but I just envisioned people everywhere,” she said. “I think initially, for a lot of people, it was a big concept for a small community back then, there wasn’t much going on.”
She did not have enough money to renovate the entire building at first, but The Bottling Plant Event Center partially opened in 2010. The center has since held weddings, sorority events for Auburn University, comedy shows, birthday parties and more.
Ditchkoff has cherished her role at The Bottling Plant, but her journey has been marked by a series of personal setbacks. A few years ago, she dedicated extensive time to caring for her mother, who was severely ill and experienced periods of blindness.
Shortly after her mother’s passing, Ditchkoff faced another challenge when her son suffered a life-threatening accident and fell into a coma. This tragedy again pulled her away from her business as she focused on her son’s recovery.
Fortunately he survived, but his journey to independent living was projected to take at least two years. These circumstances placed much financial and personal strain on Ditchkoff and her business, ultimately leading her to sell it.
This is less about an ending and more like opening a new chapter for Ditchkoff, though. She just built her dream house on Lake Martin and has plans to build her dream house in Opelika — all while writing her second book.
“I think what makes [The Bottling Plant] special is the history and the community, you know, the people in the community,” Ditchkoff said. “I love taking an event from early stages through to completion, and I love seeing happy people and I believe that all of that’s going to continue.”
For almost a year now, the Browns have been planning to buy The Bottling Plant. They have been working behind the scenes with Ditchkoff, learning the ins and outs of the event planning business and getting to know her staff.
The Browns moved to the Auburn-Opelika area eight years ago and opened Whistle Stop Bottle & Brew in downtown Opelika. They have loved serving the community and connecting with customers, and hope to continue building connections at The Bottling Plant.
Julie said that Whistle Stop was running out of room and they were looking to expand, so when they heard The Bottling Plant was for sale, it was an opportunity they had to explore.
“I want to be known for a unique space,” Julie said. “I don’t want to be known as the one that’s too far to reach as far as the finances and all that. I want us to be able to work with people where they are with their budgets and make it a unique space. I would like to be that bigger space where people say, ‘Does anyone have a space that we can meet?’ And it’s here.”
The Browns expressed no desire to change much about the event center, including the name. Any changes they make to the building will be internal, and the Browns noted that any renovations would not disrupt scheduled events. They will be keeping Ditchkoff’s staff, and both expressed excitement about having a chef.
They plan on hosting more public events, but will continue to hold private events as well. Scott hopes to do more work on the rooftop bar and eventually have a small food menu for when they are open to the public. Julie in particular is excited to get to work putting her creative spin on the event center.
“I’ve known Scott and Julie for several years, and I know that their staff really respect and admire them,” Ditchkoff said. “I think they’re wonderful people, and I think that they are going to do great things. I think they’ll continue doing the private events, but more open to the public events too. I think two people are greater than one.”
Both Ditchkoff and the Browns emphasized that The Bottling Plant will not be closing and all scheduled events will still be held. Ditchkoff will be in and out at first as they make the transition, which officially took place on June 30.
“This is really an expansion of this business,” Ditchkoff said. “It’s not just, you know, keeping this business where it is, it’s an expansion of this business and it’s an expansion of their business. We have an entire additional building that’s never been renovated, so there’s so much potential of what could happen back there, and I believe that they are going to do something at some point with that building.”
With their commitment to preserving its unique character while expanding its offerings, Scott and Julie Brown ensure that The Bottling Plant will remain a beloved backdrop for Opelika’s most cherished moments.
From its origins as a Coca-Cola plant to its current role as a premier event venue, The Bottling Plant’s story continues to evolve, promising even more opportunities for connection and celebration in the heart of downtown.
For more information about The Bottling Plant or to book an event, visit www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com/.
