Reviewed by:
7 new openings + reopenings in Birmingham, including Chez Fonfon
As we roll into a new season, businesses around Birmingham are continuing to bring some magic to The Magic City. We’ve rounded up the most recent new openings and reopenings in town to keep on your radar. Check ’em out.
1. Chez Fonfon
It’s almost been a year since we’ve been able to enjoy Chez Fonfon’s whimsical patio, but the wait is finally over. This reopening has been highly anticipated, and now it’s finally here. The Chez Fonfon team announced that they’re reopening the patio and several sidewalk tables tomorrow (Sept. 29) with safety precautions in place, of course.
Before you go running to grab one of their mouthwatering burgers, there are a few things you’ll need to know. Reservations are required, curbside service will still be available, masks are required to enter and the menu will be accessible through a QR code.
2. POSE
Get ready to strike a pose. Birmingham is getting a new selfie museum at The Summit. POSE is aiming to have art installations like the big selfie museums in NYC and LA. This exhibit will take the place of The Summit’s North Pole holiday pop-up shops experience that usually happens each year to celebrate the Christmas season.
There will be 10-12 selfie stations, including a chance for kids to write and send their letters off to Santa. Due to COVID, Santa will personally video chat kids and their families on a 75” TV. POSE will also bring snow to Alabama every weekend night from November 20th through the end of December.
- Location: The Summit
- If you’re an artist, submit your application to be a part of POSE by Sept. 28th at 5PM
3. Fancy Face
A new facial bar has come to Birmingham’s Southside. Fancy Face made the move from Cahaba Heights to UAB campus. They were Birmingham’s first facial bar and offer services like scalp massages, exfoliation, waxing, facial masks and more.
We could all use an excuse to treat ourselves and a pamper session could be just the thing you need for a little pick me up. Bonus: all of their products are organic, so you can be confident in what’s going on your skin.
4. Real & Rosemary
We’re a sucker for good eats that also happen to be healthy. Real and Rosemary is hosting the grand re-opening of their Summit location on October 1st. The restaurant believes that having a healthy meal and enjoying it around the table with your family should be as easy as 1-2-3.
The “real” in Real and Rosemary means that you can count on your food having no preservatives, food dyes or MSG. Just good, fresh ingredients every time.
5. Woodlawn Street Market
Big news! The Woodlawn Street Market is making its comeback. After meeting with the community and creating a safety plan, the market is moving forward with its first in-person market of the year on October 24th.
The streets of Woodlawn will be lined with local vendors and makers once again. The market will be strategically spaced out and of course, everyone will be wearing their masks. If you aren’t ready to attend the in-person market quite yet, no worries. They will still host virtual markets where you can search and buy from the comfort of your couch.
6. The Purple Onion
As if Lakeview wasn’t already the spot to grab a bite, The Purple Onion joined the delicious lineup of restaurants in the area. The Birmingham favorite already has several locations throughout the city, but the newest addition opened its doors this September.
The deli and grill will be taking the place of the former On Tap Sports Cafe right across from FIVE and next to Moe’s BBQ in the heart of Lakeview. If you don’t feel like getting out of your car, no worries. They have a drive-thru.
7. Red or White
Forest Park just welcomed a new wine shop to the neighborhood. They set up shop in the old V Richards and Whistling Table building. We stopped by Red or White to get a sneak peek into their newest Alabama location. Take a look: