The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
CENTREVILLE, Ala. (July 7, 2026) – Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Bottling Company, a sales center of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED), in proud partnership with Centreville Main Street, unveiled a newly restored Coca-Cola mural on Tuesday, July 7, at 10 a.m. at 1100 Walnut St. on Centreville Town Square.
The restored 1940s mural is a tribute to Coca-Cola's longtime presence in Southern communities and reflects a shared commitment to preserving local history. Fully funded through a partnership between Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola and The Coca-Cola Company, the restoration is both a community development initiative and a celebration of Centreville's history.
The $20,000 project took approximately one year to complete and involved extensive historical research, photo verification and preservation planning to ensure the mural accurately reflected its original appearance. Planners credit the mural's authenticity to Jim Oakley, former owner, publisher and editor of The Centreville Press newspaper. An original photo taken by Oakley in 1946 was instrumental in restoring the mural.
Speakers at the unveiling will include Oakley, Centreville Mayor Barry Cooner, Centreville Main Street Board Chairman Ashton Cottingham, Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Sales Center Manager Vann Scott, Ian Smith, Director of Franchise Leadership at The Coca-Cola Company, and John Kennedy, owner of the old Cleveland's building where the mural is located.
"This project represents what can happen when businesses, nonprofits and community leaders come together around a shared vision," Cottingham said. "The mural celebrates our history, strengthens our downtown and creates another reason for residents and visitors alike to experience everything Centreville has to offer."
Said Scott, "This mural is a symbol of the relationships Coca-Cola has built with communities like Centreville over generations. We're honored to help preserve this piece of local history and celebrate the people and stories that make this community so special."
"Historic murals tell the story Coca-Cola's connection to hometowns across America," Smith said. "We're proud to partner with local bottlers like Coca-Cola UNITED and community leaders to restore these landmarks, ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations while supporting the continued revitalization of Main Streets across our region."
Guests in attendance will receive a commemorative Centreville Coca-Cola bottle and will be the first to learn the location of the next Coca-Cola mural restoration project. Since 2020, Coca-Cola UNITED and the Coca-Cola Company have partnered with communities to restore murals across the Southeast. Locations in Alabama include Calera, Fayette, Waverly and Wetumpka.
Event Details
What: Historic Coca-Cola Mural Unveiling
Who: Speakers at the unveiling will include Centreville Mayor Barry Cooner, Centreville Main Street Board Chairman Ashton Cottingham, Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Sales Center Manager Vann Scott, Ian Smith, Director of Franchise Leadership at The Coca-Cola Company, Jim Oakley, former owner, publisher and editor of The Centreville Press newspaper, and John Kennedy, owner of the Cleveland Building where the mural is located.
When: Tuesday, July 7, at 10 a.m.
Where: 1100 Walnut St., Centreville, AL 35042 (old Cleveland's building)
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About Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED), founded in 1902 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is among the largest bottlers and distributors of Coke products in the U.S. Now with its fifth generation of family working in the business, Coca-Cola UNITED has more than 10,000 associates located in more than 50 facilities across six southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee). Historically significant franchises in our Coca-Cola UNITED family include Chattanooga, the world's first Coca-Cola bottler; Atlanta, home of the worldwide Coca-Cola System; and Columbus, Georgia, development site of the original Coca-Cola formula.
Coca-Cola UNITED is engaged in the production, marketing, and distribution of a diverse portfolio of leading sparkling (Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coke Zero Sugar®, Dr Pepper®, Sprite® and Fanta®) and still (smartwater®, vitaminwater®, Dasani®, POWERADE®, BODYARMOR®, Fairlife®, Gold Peak®, Monster® and Minute Maid®) non-alcoholic brands under exclusive franchise agreements principally with The Coca-Cola Company®, Keurig Dr Pepper® and Monster Energy Company®.
For more than 120 years, Coca-Cola UNITED has remained true to its foundational core values of Quality, Excellence, Integrity and Respect. Local relationships, personalized customer service and strong community engagement have been the foundation of our business for more than a century. Each year, millions of dollars are invested in our local communities, supporting education, community development, sustainability and nonprofit organizations that empower and impact those in need. Learn more at cocacolaunited.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Centreville Main Street
Centreville Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and revitalizing downtown Centreville through historic preservation, economic development and community engagement. Working alongside local businesses, property owners, volunteers and community partners, we champion projects and events that celebrate Centreville's unique heritage while fostering a vibrant downtown for residents and visitors alike. Through collaboration and investment in the city's historic assets, Centreville Main Street helps strengthen the local economy and preserve the character that makes the community special. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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