By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Another formerly empty Montevallo storefront is being filled as JD’s Furniture Warehouse transforms the former Movie Gallery location into a shop for custom-made and rustic furniture.

Shane Welch, a 26-year-old server at Pelham’s Texas Roadhouse, and his mother, Darlene Brasher, who has been in the furniture business for 27 years, teamed up to open the business. The store’s soft opening will be Nov. 17, while its grand opening will be in January 2013.

The duo decided to open their store in Montevallo because of the historical and neighborly town, Brasher said. Welch also attended high school at Montevallo High School.

Welch first decided to try his hand at rustic furniture when he wanted to purchase his own but was surprised by the expense. He began by founding Bear Creek Woodworks and designing his own ink pens, and now offers custom furniture to customers.

Welch said his rustic furniture rivals that of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

JD’s Furniture Warehouse will carry Spring Air, Home Elegance, Coaster and Acme brands, Brasher said.

“We want to fit each individual with their own level of comfort,” Welch said.

The store will offer a product that is “economical for extremely good quality work,” Brasher said.

“We’ll have from everyday to elegant,” Welch added.

The mother-son pair said they plan to focus on customer service “from A to Z.”

After Nov. 17, JD’s Furniture Warehouse will be open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The new business will be located at 752 Main Street in the former Movie Gallery location. For more information, call 665-2717.