Lovers of Bill E's bacon will tell you it is the world's best bacon.

And, it just might be. This week Bill E's was honored by the state of Alabama as one of the top retailers of the year. 

Bill E. Stitt, owner and head bacon maker of Bill E’s and Bill E’s Small Batch Bacon, was named Alabama’s Silver Retailer of the Year in the annual sales of $1 - 5 million category.

Eleven businesses were honored as  the 2022 Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association this week.

Stitt was honored in a small ceremony Wednesday outside his restaurant on Alabama-181 in Fairhope. 

Originally known as Old 27 Grill, Stitt founded the restaurant in April 2011.  He added Bill E’s Small Batch Bacon in 2018.

Visitors can often find him in the back, preparing his bacon by hand and serenading the smoking slabs of meat. 

“Bill Stitt has an amazing story about developing his restaurant concept, which led to the creation of Bill-E’s serenaded bacon,” wrote Casey Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, in her nomination of Stitt. “Bill loves where he lives and gives a lot back to our community. He has served on the chamber board and is a true friend and supporter of our efforts. He weathered the COVID storm and continues to grow stronger every day.”