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Buc-ee’s, a new brewery, an Italian restaurant + more opening in Bham
From a much-anticipated opening in Leeds to a brand-new brewery, there’s a lot of movement happening in the Magic City. Here’s the weekly rundown of openings and reopenings in the area.
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1. Buc-ee’s
It’s finally here. National chain Buc-ee’s opened it’s doors today, January 25. Besides the fact that you’ll probably always be able to find an available pump for gas, this convenience store offers some things you probably wouldn’t expect like:
- A full kitchen
- “Texas roundup” stations that serve fresh bbq and handmade fudge
- An Icee station
- Clean bathrooms with full-time concierge
2. Oak Mountain Brewing
Cheers! Shelby County just welcomed an all-new brewery. Oak Mountain Brewing is sure to be one of Pelham’s new hangout spots with a taproom, wine selection, food and live music.
Check out this sneak peek we did back in October 2019.
- Where: 110 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
3. Etc.
Local luxury retailer Etc is expanding to West Homewood with their third location this Spring. The luxury retailer currently operates two locations: one in Mountain Brook, and one in Aspen, Colorado.
Owner Meg Margjeka is bringing Etc to the 186 Building. Find the launch of her husbands new concept, Buka, at the 186 building, too.
4. Mama Coco Cantina
New Mexican restaurant, Mama Coco Cantina, opened its doors in December 2020 and we just have to taco ’bout it.
Located in Calera, owner Julio Peralta whips up authentic dishes like burritos, fajitas, steak and even seafood.
On the inside, you’ll find fun wall art depicting scenes from one of my favorite Disney movies, Coco, although the movie didn’t have an influence on the restaurant’s name.
- Location: 8176 US-31, Calera, AL 35040
5. North Italia
Italian food holds a special place in my heart… and stomach. So when we first learned that North Italia was making its way to The Summit, I was ecstatic!
This will be the modern Italian restaurant’s first location in the state and it will offer made-from-scratch Italian favorites for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Expect flavorful dishes like pizzas and pasta as well as a wide assortment of wines, beer and house-made cocktails.
6. Tender Shack
According to the Birmingham Business Journal, Bloomin’ Brands Inc. is bringing a Tender Shack to Birmingham, but here’s the catch—it’ll be a ghost kitchen. You can only get your Tender Shack fix through the DoorDash app.
So what’s on the menu? Well, to put it simply—fried chicken. You can get sandwiches, tenders, fries and even party trays.
7. J Wings
It was just last September when we announced that J Wings was opening a new location at The Pizitz Food Hall. Now, they’re expanding yet again to a location between Chalkville and Trussville. (They have two more locations in Bessemer and Fultondale.)
For flavorful wings, Philly cheesesteaks and more, you can order from any of the restaurant’s locations around Birmingham.
8. Frios
Hold the phone—Frios’ one and only location is closing its brick and mortar. *Sigh* But, don’t worry because the closure is actually allowing them to focus on expand its food truck presence.
The Frios’ food trucks will allow them to reach even more customers and hire even more employees. Keep an eye on their social channels to see where they’ll be rolling to next.
According to the Shelby Count Reporter, owner Micheal Weidenbach plans to open a new storefront, but it will only serve as an office and storage area.
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