If you’ve lived in Mobile for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard the name. Maybe you saw a truck humming down Government Street or heard a neighbor talk about a windshield crack that "only Kittrell" could fix right. Honestly, it’s one of those local institutions that feels like it’s been there since the city was founded.
Kittrell Glass Mobile AL isn't just a shop; it’s a multi-generational saga of glass, grit, and Gulf Coast history.
But there’s a lot of confusion out there. People get the names mixed up. They think every shop with "Kittrell" in the title is the same place. Or they assume they only do cars. The reality is way more interesting than just a guy with a suction cup and a tube of sealant.
The Family Tree You Didn't Know About
Let’s clear the air first. If you search for this name, you might stumble upon an art gallery in Dallas or a studio in North Texas. That’s Kittrell/Riffkind. Beautiful stuff, sure, but if you’re looking for a windshield in Alabama, those aren't your people.
The Mobile legacy actually traces back to 1927. Think about that. That's nearly a century.
It started with a man named Warner Beckham—the grandfather of the late Michael "Mike" Kittrell. Warner didn't start with glass; he started with a wrecking and auto parts company. Back then, if you broke a window in your Model T, you didn't just call an 800-number. You went to the guy who knew how to pull parts and make things fit.
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Eventually, the glass side of the business took over because, well, everyone eventually needs glass. After World War II, Braxton Kittrell joined in, and the business basically became a household name across Mobile.
What They Actually Do (It's Not Just Windshields)
Most people call them for a rock chip. You’re driving down I-65, a gravel truck loses its mind, and bam—you’ve got a spiderweb in your line of sight.
But the scope of Kittrell Glass Mobile AL (specifically known as Kittrell Auto Glass LLC) is broader than people realize. While they are the "go-to" for automotive work, the local industry in Mobile has seen a lot of overlap.
- Custom Auto Glass: We aren't just talking about your 2024 Camry. They handle the tricky stuff—classic cars, heavy machinery, and those weird side vents that modern shops won't touch.
- Commercial Capabilities: There is a reason you see their name associated with local builders and architects. When a storefront in downtown Mobile gets smashed or needs an upgrade, the Kittrell name usually pops up in the bid list.
- Mobile Service: This is the big one. They were pioneers in the "we come to you" model. In a city where the humidity makes you want to never leave your AC, having a tech show up at your office to swap a windshield is a godsend.
The Real Talk on Pricing
Is it the cheapest? No.
If you want the absolute bottom-dollar, "I don't care if it leaks in six months" price, you go to a national chain or a guy with a tent in a parking lot. Kittrell has survived since 1927 by being the shop that fixes the cheap shops' mistakes.
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People in Mobile are loyal. You’ll see Reddit threads and Facebook groups where locals swear by them because they actually calibrate the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) correctly. In 2026, you can't just slap glass on a car; you have to make sure the cameras that keep you in your lane can actually "see" through the glass.
Where Are They Now?
Location is where people get tripped up.
Historically, you’d find them on Old Shell Road. The 2610 Old Shell Rd location has been a landmark for ages. But the business has legs. They have footprints in Birmingham, Montgomery, Foley, and even Chatom.
It's a family operation through and through. Kelly Booth is a name you’ll see associated with the current LLC management. It’s that transition from Mike Kittrell—who was a legend at Davidson High School and the University of Alabama before taking over—to the current generation that has kept the business from being swallowed by corporate conglomerates.
The "Secret" to Their Longevity
Honestly, it’s the "Mobile Way."
In bigger cities, businesses are transactional. In Mobile, if you mess up a local’s car, the whole parish knows by Sunday morning. Kittrell survived the Great Depression, WWII, and the rise of Safelite because they treat glass like a craft.
There’s a specific kind of expertise required for Gulf Coast weather. We have extreme heat, salt air, and sudden pressure drops during hurricane season. That wreaks havoc on seals and adhesives. Local shops know which urethanes hold up in 98% humidity and which ones fail.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Glass Issue
If you’re staring at a crack or planning a renovation in Mobile, don’t just click the first sponsored ad on Google.
- Check the VIN: Before you call, have your VIN ready. With modern sensors, there are often 5 or 6 different glass options for the exact same year and model of car.
- Verify the Entity: Ensure you are contacting Kittrell Auto Glass LLC at the Old Shell Road location (or their official satellite offices) to ensure you’re getting the local expertise, not an out-of-state call center.
- Ask about ADAS: If your car was made after 2018, ask if they do in-house recalibration. If a shop tells you "the cameras will just figure it out," hang up. They won't.
- Insurance vs. Out-of-Pocket: Always ask for the "cash price" first. Sometimes, if your deductible is $500, the out-of-pocket cost is actually lower or close enough that it’s not worth the insurance claim.
The history of glass in the Port City is written in the windows of the buildings downtown and the windshields of the cars stuck in traffic on the Bayway. Kittrell is a massive part of that story.