Long-Lewis Chevrolet returns to its Bessemer roots

Long-Lewis is opening a new Chevrolet dealership in Bessemer, Alabama on July 17, 2026, bringing approximately 100 jobs to the area.

When you walk into the newest Long-Lewis showroom in Bessemer it’s hard to get that tagline we’ve all heard over the years out of your head.

“In the long run, it’s Long-Lewis… you hear!”

Jonathan Vick, the general manager of the new Bessemer location told us folks now need to add: 

“Long-Lewis is proud to be back in Bessemer and we brought Chevrolet with us!”

Long-Lewis started selling cars in 1915

One of our community’s most beloved companies, Long-Lewis was founded 139 years ago (1887) in Bessemer as a hardware store. In 1915, they jumped into the car selling and service business opening in “The Marvel City” one of the first Ford dealerships in the country. 

Today, it is one of the largest automotive retailers in Alabama.

New Long-Lewis Chevrolet of Bessemer location to create about 100 jobs

The new Bessemer Long-Lewis dealership is located at the former 11-acre Step One Chevrolet and Premiere Chevrolet site at 4990 Premiere Parkway off of Academy Drive near Bessemer City High School.

According to Vick, the new space will employ about 100 people. Their target is to sell 200 cars or more a month.

Long-Lewis officially returns to Bessemer after it moved to Hoover in 1999. Since then, the company has opened dealerships into towns throughout Alabama, including:

• Tuscumbia
• Prattville
• Cullman
• Decatur
• Hoover 
• Alabaster

“One of the reasons I wanted to come here from a different Long-Lewis store, was because this was where it all started. All of the guys that I work with, some of the more seasoned ones, all you do is hear stories about ‘back in Bessemer’.”

Jonathan Vick, General Manager, Long-Lewis Chevrolet of Bessemer

When is the Long-Lewis Bessemer grand opening?

The Grand Opening party celebrating the return of Long-Lewis to Bessemer kicks off Friday, July 17th at 11:30 AM, with the ribbon-cutting at 12:35 PM.

The dealership is offering tours of the new space, food, refreshments, giveaways and an opportunity to meet Long-Lewis staff. 

Do you remember Long-Lewis when it was in Bessemer 25+ years ago? Please share your favorite memories with us on social media and tell what you think about their return by tagging us at @bhamnow