CHELSEA- Several events were held on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 to celebrate the grand openings of two Chelsea businesses.

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce held ribbon cutting events for Willow Branch homes and Cat-n-Bird Winery on April 7. Cat-n-Bird Winery also hosted a grand opening celebration on April 8.

Willow Branch, which was developed by Scotch Homes and Land Development Group Inc., was recently voted Best Community in Chelsea.

“I always find people’s needs and wants to be of equal importance, so we had an opportunity to provide what people want when they’re looking for a home,” owner and developer Wayne Scotch said.

The Willow Branch subdivision is being built in multiple phases, with plans for 190 houses. According to Scotch, about 12 people currently live in the neighborhood.

“We have real houses on real lots. We have a lot of elbow room, natural spaces and greenery,” Scotch said. “Each and every house is a little bit different.”

Scotch said his houses are unique because they account for the rapid changes in technology over the years.

“We do a lot with smart technology. We have garage door openers. You can operate the heating and cooling with the light switches,” Scotch said. “Today’s housing has changed from just having stakes and sheet rock to having smart phone technology.”

Scotch said Willow Branch will attract new residents and help Chelsea’s development as a city.

“The 280 corridor is a vibrant community. Chelsea is located near I-65 and 280,” Scotch said. “People can raise their families here and have ample places for the children to run and play.”

Cat-n-Bird Winery owners Robyn and Matt Lyons had dreamed of opening a winery but viewed that as more of a long-term goal.

“We bought this place in April, thinking that one day we would, but we didn’t realize it would be so soon,” Robyn Lyons said. “We like making wine, we like drinking wine and we have friends that enjoy our wine.”

Robyn Lyons said the Cat-n-Bird Winery is the closest winery to Birmingham and serves as a venue for weddings, corporate events, birthday parts and other events.

“You name it. If it has essentially 100 people or less, we can accommodate it,” Robyn Lyons said.

While the winery has hosted private events since January, it opened to the public on April 8. The celebration featured live music, local catering and a wine tasting.

Cat-n-Bird Winery is located on Old U.S. 280. To book an event, call them at 610-WINE.

“We hope it brings people into Chelsea,” Robyn Lyons said.