new restaurant in homewood — A sneak peek. (Summer Guffey / Bham Now)

For those who loved the convenience of the old Little Donkey location on Central Ave, we’ve got great news. A new fine dining restaurant and bar, The Battery, will soon occupy the vacant spot. Keep reading for all the details.

A newcomer to Central Ave

We always love new openings, and this one is especially exciting.

So everyone welcome, The Battery—a sophisticated Southern kitchen and bar—to Homewood located at the former Little Donkey space this spring. (Little Donkey is still open—it’s just moved!)

The owner, Ben Chappell, a local entrepreneur and president of Interior Elements (IE), a Southeastern-wide contract furniture dealership based in Homewood, is bringing this new restaurant with a highly acclaimed chef. It’ll be right next to the Interior Elements location.

We can’t wait to see how The Battery will turn out aesthetically!

“I’ve noticed for quite a while that there is a gap in the metro area for a higher end restaurant that threads the needle between fine dining and fast casual. The Battery will be based upon the same principle that has allowed IE to grow throughout the Southeast….a laser-focus on providing an exceptional customer experience.”
Ben Chappell, owner of The Battery

BONUS: Your guide to can’t-miss wine bars in Birmingham

Food Network level-food

storefront — Things are coming along. (Summer Guffey / Bham Now)

Taking the role of executive chef is Jeff Compton, a finalist in Food Network’s “Vegas Chef Prizefight.” Compton has had a successful chef experience in the restaurants of Acre (Auburn, AL), The Red Bar (Grayton Beach, FL) and Stinky’s Fish Camp (Santa Rosa Beach, FL). WOW.

I already can’t wait to see what culinary masterpieces he has to offer. What do you think he’ll add to the Homewood foodie scene?

But who is gonna run the place? Only one of the best Homewood restaurant managers: Jeramy Stephens. He’s a Homewood native with plenty of experience in the restaurant industry. He’s even managed high-end restaurants across different states. We’re excited to see what he does as the general manager of The Battery.

P.S. FOODIES: Auburn-Opelika is a foodie destination—15 restaurants you’ll love [PHOTOS]