7 new + coming soon businesses we can’t wait to see in Birmingham

Happy July, Birmingham! It’s a new month and, as always, there are plenty of exciting new openings to look forward to.

From an exciting gaming cafe to a family fun destination coming soon to The Magic City, here are seven new openings and upcoming projects to keep on your radar.

Now open

1. Valhalla Board Game Café | Pelham

After several years of hosting pop-up board game events throughout Birmingham, the team behind Valhalla Board Game Café has opened their own brick-and-mortar location in Pelham.

This new Norse-themed gaming cafe provides a relaxed, fun atmosphere for gamers of all ages and experience levels to play and connect. Guests can rent private rooms, purchase games from the cafe or enjoy a variety of coffee drinks and snacks at the tavern.

• Location: 2408 Pelham Pkwy Suite 400, Pelham, AL 35124
• Hours: Monday-Tuesday 7AM-2PM | Wednesday-Sunday 7AM-11PM

2. Nawlins Style Po’Boys | Alabaster

A fan-favorite food truck has opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Alabaster. Since 2020, Nawlins Style Po’Boys food truck has been serving the Birmingham area with po’boys, fried okra, seafood baskets and more Cajun classics.

Nawlins Style Po’Boys is now open in the former home of Chubfather’s in Alabaster.

• Where: 1207 1st St N, Alabaster, AL 35007
• When: 10:30AM – 8:00PM Daily

Coming soon

3. JA McWane Economic Education Center | Downtown Bham

Junior Achievement (JA) of Alabama recently announced its plans to bring the JA McWane Economic Education Center to downtown Birmingham. Designed to serve as a real-life replica of an American city, the JA McWane Economic Education Center will feature two learning labs: JA BizTown and JA Finance Park.

These two facilities will be utilized by the JA Capstone Programs, which combine classroom learning with a hands-on site experience to help students understand personal finance planning and career exploration.

• Location: Sixth Avenue North and 22nd Street
• Opening: TBD

4. Master Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do | Riverchase

Ready to learn some self defense skills? Master Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do is opening its third Birmingham location. Located in Riverchase Promenade by Ollie’s, this studio offers classes for both children and adults.

• Location: 1705-1735 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35216
• Opening: TBD

5. UAB Medical West Hospital | Bessemer

Back in 2021, Bham Now reported that UAB acquired the Medical West Hospital in Bessemer for $51.25M. The reimagined UAB Medical West Hospital opens this August, and we got a sneak peek of the facility.

The campus includes a 9-story hospital with 200 beds, 7-story medical office building, endoscopy suite, walking trail and more.

• Location: 4501 Bell Hill Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022
• Opening: August 2024

6. Alabama Aerospace & Aviation High School | Bessemer

More big news for Bessemer! Last week, the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School (AAHS) broke ground on its new campus at the EKY Bessemer Airport.

As Alabama’s first aviation-focused, free public charter school, AAHS prepares students for leadership roles in the aerospace and aviation industries through a distinctive, career-oriented curriculum within a purposefully diverse school community.

• Location: Near Bessemer Municipal Airport (900 Mitchell Field Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022)
• Opening: Fall 2025

7. Family Fun Center | Birmingham CrossPlex

Last week, the proposed plan for a Family Fun Center addition to the Birmingham CrossPlex was approved by the city’s Design Review Committee.

The Family Fun Center will be an entertainment destination for the Five Points West community will offer a wide variety of activities and venues, both indoor and outdoor. The plan for this 35,000-square-foot, one-story building includes bowling, roller skating, pickleball, a food court and much more.

• Location: 2340 Crossplex Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35208
• Opening: TBD

Did we miss any new openings in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!