Now the News: local small businesses win big, updates on Red Mountain Expressway + more

Happy Monday, Birmingham! It’s time to catch up on the hottest news you may have missed from the past week. We’ve got lots of exciting happenings to cover, including new Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Little Donkey and Hero Doughnuts locations, updates on Red Mountain Expressway and more. Let’s dive in.

3 local businesses win $45K award from First Horizon Bank

The results are in for the First Horizon Back to Business contest, which awarded a total of $45,000 to three Birmingham small businesses. More than 140 entries were submitted in the Birmingham area and the top three winners were voted on by the public. Ready to find out who they are? Drum roll please:

• First Prize: Cala Coffee Company | coffee shop in Cahaba Heights | awarded $30,000
• Second Prize: Griggs Designs | graphic design team | awarded $10,000
• Third Prize: Feast | local catering company | awarded $5,000

Head to the article to read what each business plans to do with their prize money, including a brick and mortar location, uplifting initiatives and more.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Little Donkey & Hero Doughnuts coming to former TreeTop Family Adventure site in Chelsea

BBQ, tacos and doughnuts, oh my! Some of your favorite Bham restaurants are coming together at a new joint location in the former TreeTop Family Adventure site in Chelsea. The 18,500 sq. ft. building will include Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Little Donkey and a common bar area. Adjacent to the property, a smaller 2,353 sq. ft. building will house Hero Doughnuts. The project is slated for completion in a little over a year.

March Madness returns to Birmingham after 15-year hiatus

Basketball fans, we have some exciting news. March Madness is making its way to The Magic City! Birmingham hosts the first and second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Legacy Arena in 2023. After the recent $125M transformation of Legacy Area, Birmingham is once again ready to host one of the biggest basketball events of the year.

What is happening at the Red Mountain Expressway? We’ve got answers.

Currently, there’s a lot of construction going on at Red Mountain Expressway, one of Birmingham’s busiest roads. After speaking with ALDOT, Jefferson County and the City of Birmingham, we discovered they’re tearing out the old concrete in the median and guardrail, putting in a concrete shoulder and barrier wall and retrofitting the bridge rail. The “cut” area of the road is also getting a facelift before The World Games 2022.

Homewood favorite Greenhouse is opening a new location downtown

Greenhouse lovers, rejoice! The popular spot, known for their tasty salads, soups, sandwiches and cookies, is set to open a new location in downtown Birmingham. It’s located near UAB in Southside on 19th Street South, a few doors down from Falafel Cafe. Although we don’t have an official opening date, the owners said they will be opening soon after working through some electrical issues at the new location.

You’re all caught up.

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