Birmingham, The Pixel Room — Dress for the ultimate selfie at The Pixel Room in Leeds. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

The city of Leeds is seeing lots of upgrades. From Buc-ee’s to Grand River Technology Park, here’s what’s up in the area.

1. Buc-ee’s

Birmingham, Buc-ee's — Fresh sandwiches, coffee, pastries and more at Buc-ee’s. Photo via Buc-ee’s Facebook page

Following lots of buzz, Buc-ee’s officially broke ground in Leeds in June 2019. Since then, we’ve watched as the project takes shape at its location off Exit 140 on 1-20 near the Outlet Shops at Grand River and Bass Pro Shops.

When will this long-awaited convenience store finally open for business? Currently, it’s looking like 2021.

While we wait, here’s what to expect from this wildly-popular store:

Coffee shop + deli
Specialty gifts + food items
100+ gas pumps
Car wash

2. Grand River Technology Park

Birmingham, Grand River Technology Park, Leeds — Groundbreaking ceremony at Grand River Technology Park in Leeds back in 2019. Photo via Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

It was February 2019 that we first filled you in on plans for Grand River Technology Park. The park, which has been described as a multiphase opportunity, is transforming 105 acres of undeveloped land surrounding and including several pre-1977 abandoned coal mine lands in east Jefferson County.

Here are more details on the project:

It’s a collaborative effort between the Alabama Department of Labor’s AML Program, U.S. Steel, the Southern Museum of Flight, Jefferson County and the cities of Birmingham and Leeds.
It’s supposed to bring an estimated 1200 jobs to the area.
It will serve as the new home for the Southern Museum of Flight.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 24, 2019.

Though we still don’t have a set opening date, we do know one thing—construction is well underway, so stayed tuned.

Address: 6079 Barber Motor Sports Parkway, Birmingham, AL

3. Sidewalk Film Festival

Birmingham, Sidewalk Film Festival — Grab your fave sweet treat. Photo via Sidewalk Film Festival

Also new to Leeds this year is the beloved Sidewalk Film Festival. With social distancing still in effect, this year’s festival takes place at the Grand River Drive-In.

Along with more than 150 awe-inspiring features and short films, snacks and drinks are also available. Check out these 12 can’t-miss films.

Purchase your tickets and head to the big screens, the event is happening now through August 30. Use discount code BHAMNOW15 for 15% off tickets.

Address: 6200 Grand River Blvd E, Leeds, AL 35094

4. The Pixel Room

Birmingham, Pixel Room — Rub a dub in The Pixel Room tub. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

In July, The Outlet Shops of Grand River in Leeds brought something totally unique to the greater Birmingham area—its first selfie museum, The Pixel Room.

The Pixel Room is an interactive, totally Instagrammable venue that features over 20 curated photo scenes decorated for the perfect one-of-a-kind selfie or exciting photo with friends or family.

Scenes include:

Lemonade Stand
Sideways House of Colors
Dynamic Disco
And more!

5. Whataburger

Birmingham, Leeds, Whataburger — Vulcan digs Whataburger. Photo via Whataburger’s Facebook page

Whataburger is taking over the former Hardee’s location on Asheville Road in Leeds. Find everything for a quick grub grab like burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches and shakes.

Be sure to visit Whataburgers Whatastore for fun merch like hats, shirts and French fry-inspired pool floats.

Address: 1824 Ashville Rd, Leeds, AL 35094