Now the News: Birmingham to host 2023 International Peace Conference, $65M facility for Samford + more

Happy Monday, June 6, Birmingham! Let’s get this week started right with all the hottest news you need to know. Local restaurant SLIDE has some big changes in store including a new downtown location, the 2023 International Peace Conference is coming to Birmingham and more. Read on to get all caught up.

Birmingham restaurant SLIDE is moving downtown

SLIDE, owned and operated by Chef Raquel Ervin, has been serving up delicious specialty sliders and gourmet sides to the Birmingham area for a little over a year now. Now, there has been a big change of plans for SLIDE’s future endeavors.

Unfortunately, the location in Irondale has permanently closed and the potential summer opening in Pelham has been canceled. The good news? SLIDE is opening a new location at The Denham Building in Parkside in October 2022. There’s a lot to look forward to, including new menu items, vegan options, a 4,000 sq. ft facility and more.

Coming soon: New Entertainment District in Calera

After an official proposal in May 2022, a new entertainment district could soon become a reality in Calera. In a revitalization effort, the city hopes to add a new entertainment center along with shops, restaurants and convenient parking. While it hasn’t been approved just yet, the current design includes a covered stage where bands can perform, an area where children can play and more that will liven up downtown Calera.

Alabama Peanut Co. unveils NEW peanut truck + 4 more Birmingham openings

You can always count on us to be on top of the hottest openings in the area. This week, we’ve got the scoop on four new openings, including a brand new peanut truck from local favorite, Alabama Peanut Co. Let’s dive in.

• Alabama Peanut Co. has officially extended their business to their new Peanut Truck, bringing their iconic roasted and boiled peanuts to your favorite spots around town. Check out their Instagram for locations.
• Jim N’ Nicks has transformed their Alabaster location into a new fast-casual eatery, allowing you to grab your fave barbecue quicker in a more laid-back environment. Plus, the location includes a full-service bar, drive-thru and more.
• June Coffee is now open in downtown Birmingham, bringing freshly roasted coffee in-house and on the go. Our recommendation? The iced pistachio rose latte.
• On that note, firefighter-owned and operated spot Los Bomberos Cafe is expanding their business to a new coffee trailer, coming soon. Keep an eye on their Instagram for updates.

The 2023 International Peace Conference is coming to Birmingham

Rotary International District 6860 (North and Central Alabama) has partnered up with The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Institute for Human Rights at the University of Alabama Birmingham to present the 2023 International Peace Conference from May 4-6, 2023. Featuring notable speakers, including Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Rotary President Jennifer Jones, the conference aims to equip attendees with peacemaking skills so they are able to create change in their communities. Learn more here.

Samford to build $65M state-of-the-art recreation and athletic complex by Fall 2024

Get excited, Bulldogs. Samford University announced on June 1 that they’re launching the largest capital project in its history. The $65 million project will create a new state-of-the-art recreation and athletic complex by enlarging and renovating existing buildings.

The project, scheduled to begin development in early 2023, includes investments in four separate buildings on campus, totaling 154,000 square feet. The complex will focus on providing students and employees with an innovative space to improve physical fitness and mental wellness.

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