After nearly three months of restoration work, several businesses are preparing to reopen after the destructive March hail storm that left behind millions of dollars in damage.

The Marketplatz Center SW was pummeled by hail descending at up to 130 miles per hour in March, punching hundreds of holes through roofs, damaging signs, windows and products inside the stores. Stores such as TJ Maxx and Dollar Tree were shut down because of the wide extent of damage and the time needed to restore the building.

“It’s been a tremendous undertaking with all of the damage that occurred, but everything is at the point of ready,” said Jason Grimmett of Drinkard Development, which owns the plaza.

Grimmett said he expects Dollar Tree to reopen in about a week, while TJ Maxx and Yogurt Street should open their doors about July 1.

“Everything is like brand new. New roof, air conditioning units, interior walls and signs. Everything except the brick,” Grimmett said.

The hail damage affected numerous businesses, homes and automobiles in large areas of Cullman and the county. The size of the hail was unusually large for this region of the country, according to the National Weather Service.

The night of the damage, two storm systems collided in northwest Cullman County and peeled through Cullman, Welti and other areas. Many home owners are still having repairs done.

A new business will also be joining the Marketplatz community in late summer or fall. Rock N Roll Sushi, a franchise co-owned by Cullman’s Joe Ragsdale, will occupy the space that was once home to Community Savings Bank. The building will be remodeled and will include dining patios once the work is complete.

“We’re excited that Rock N Roll Sushi is coming,” Grimmett said. “I think it’s going to be a great addition to the area and we’re really pleased that this location was chosen. We will be starting work this month to get everything ready.”

The opening will mark Rock N Roll Sushi’s 23rd location. Ragsdale said dozens more of the restaurants are planned for openings in other locations. Rock N Roll Sushi is in a variety of markets, from Alabama to Texas and Tennessee to name a few, and includes menus crafted from old album covers. The restaurant specializes in sushi but offers a variety of other items on the menu.