Alabama’s biggest automotive group celebrating a return to its roots
Long-Lewis began as a hardware store in Bessemer in 1887.
Ethan Parker 
Alabama’s largest automotive group is coming home. Long-Lewis Automotive Group has officially opened a new dealership in Bessemer, marking a significant return to the city where the company first laid its roots over a century ago.
A Historic Homecoming
The new Long-Lewis Chevrolet, located at 4990 Premiere Parkway, follows the company’s acquisition of Step One Chevrolet earlier this year. For CEO Todd Ouellette, the move is deeply personal.
“This is a truly special moment for our organization,” Ouellette said. “Bessemer is where Long-Lewis began nearly 140 years ago, and returning here after 27 years is both meaningful and exciting. This isn’t just an acquisition — it’s a homecoming.”
From Hardware Store to Automotive Powerhouse
Long-Lewis first established itself in Bessemer as a hardware store in 1887. The company's transition into the automotive industry was swift; when Henry Ford began granting franchises, Long-Lewis Hardware was among the first to receive one. At its height, a dedicated two-story building served the Ford division of the business.
While the original hardware store shuttered in 1982 and the company moved its operations to Hoover in the 1990s, this latest expansion brings the brand full circle. Long-Lewis continues to maintain a robust presence throughout the region, with additional dealerships currently operating in Hoover, Cullman, Alabaster, Prattville, and several locations in the Shoals.
As reported by 205focus.com, this move signals a new chapter for Alabama's biggest automotive group as it honors its deep-seated history in Bessemer.
