by Martin J. Reed

For everyone in southwest Shelby County who's been anticipating the opening of Joe's Italian Crossroads Café in Montevallo, the wait will soon be over. The popular Alabaster eatery's new location focusing on takeout is opening Monday at the intersection of Highway 119 and Shelby County Road 22 in north Montevallo, said Sonia Bertolone, president of restaurant owner Forza Unita Inc.

"I'm excited. I think my dad would be happy," said Bertolone, referring to the restaurant's namesake, Giuseppe "Papa Joe" Bertolone, who died March 6, 2013. Joe's Italian Crossroads Café will be a scaled-down version of the Alabaster restaurant. Customers can expect the same delicious recipes and high quality of food they enjoy at the Alabaster location, but in a slightly different format.