Now the News: new brewery coming soon to Trussville, Birmingham ranked among best U.S cities for families + more

Happy Monday, Birmingham! We’ve got you covered with the hottest news you might have missed from the past week. This time around we’ve got tons of new openings, including a chocolate shop in Homewood, a brewery in Trussville, new restaurants and more. Let’s dive in.

NEW chocolate shop open in Homewood + 4 more Birmingham businesses coming soon

As always, we’ve got some exciting openings to look forward to. Check them out:

Coming soon:

• Dos Tequilas—a new Mexican restaurant in Chelsea serving up classic favorites, along with breakfast and brunch on the weekends.
• Marty’s TV is the newest neighborhood late-night bar in Trussville, alongside Marty’s GM (Irondale) and Marty’s PM (Birmingham). Enjoy great food, drinks and fun in a no-frills atmosphere. 

Now open:

• Devore Vintage in Pepper Place is an appointment-only vintage shop specializing in antique clothing from the 1890s-1940s, among other retro goodies.
• Chocolate America in Homewood offers the largest selection of fine chocolates and fudge in Alabama, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth.
• Marco’s Pizza in Indian Springs is a fan-favorite chain, now open for all your pizza-night needs.

Alpha Charlie Grill takes off across from the BHM Airport

A new restaurant has taken flight in Birmingham, and this one is extra special. From Brian Kemp, owner of popular local spot Kemp’s Kitchen, comes Alpha Charlie Grill. You can enjoy a delicious meal with aviation-themed decor (the chairs, tables, bar and more were all made from airplane parts) while watching planes take off and land from the Birmingham Airport.

The menu isn’t your average airplane food. The Warthog burger includes juicy brisket, a half-pound patty, cheddar cheese and pickles—YUM.

• Location: 4900 E Lake Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35217
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30AM-2PM

Irondale to purchase former Zamora Shrine Center

Irondale City Council has unanimously voted to authorize the purchase of the former Zamora Shrine Center. The venue was home to the Zamora Shriners from 1985-2020. In 2020, the Masonic organization sold the popular event space for $3.5 million to First Carolina Holdings, LLC.

According to Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart, the space will be used to bring the community together. The venue, which has hosted local high school proms, events and more, includes:

• 57,359 square-foot meeting hall and events center
• 2,500-seat arena
• 500-space parking lot

Now, the city will develop a master plan for the space including input from Irondale residents on what the space should become.

NEW Steele Hall Brewing to open in Trussville, coming Fall 2022

New breweries coming to town is always good news. Trussville, prepare to try some new brews at Steele Hall Brewing. The spot was co-founded by North Carolina natives Scott Worthington and Eric Mitchell, who can’t wait to introduce Trussville to their craft beer.

It’s located in the former Slag Heap Brewing space, but owners Scott and Eric plan on giving the venue a complete overhaul before opening to the public.

“Once we’re done, the building is not going to look the same and it’s not going to feel the same, so don’t expect it to be the same as Slag Heap Brewing. We have a lot of work to do, but we are excited!”

Scott Worthington, Steele Hall Brewing

The brewery is expected to open in Fall 2022.

Birmingham tops the list of Best US cities to raise a family

Whether you have a family here already or are starting one soon, you’re in the right place. The Magic City is one of the best cities in the US to raise a family according to a report by Clever, a real estate data company.

Birmingham ranked 14th overall, beating out popular cities like Nashville, Tennessee, Austin, Texas and Denver, Colorado. Four metrics were taken into consideration: economic, educational, social and recreational. With our wide range of family-oriented parks, restaurants, events and more, we have to agree that Bham is a great place for family.

According to the report, Birmingham is also the best metro in the country for raising a newborn affordably, and Alabama tied for first in the country for its high school graduation rate of 92%.

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