Reviewed by: Cecilia Wood
Now the News: Good Jobs Challenge Grant, Continental Drift open now + more
Happy Monday, Birmingham! It’s time to catch up on the hottest news you may have missed from the past week, including Birmingham receiving a $10.8M grant to help build the healthcare workforce, a new cocktail bar opening and more. Keep reading for all the deets.
Cocktail bar, Continental Drift, is now open + 4 new spots that are opening in Birmingham
Now open:
- DC’s Smokehouse is the new talk of Calera. Here, you can get classic menu items like BBQ sliders, a smoked bologna sandwich, corn nuggets, wings and more.
- Continental Drift is open! The time is finally here for us to drift on over and hop on “island time” with their tropical drinks, good vibes and a cool space.
- Revolution Ink’s new location is now open downtown. After 15 years in Pelham, Jeffrey and Sid Hubbard took a leap of faith and opened one of the South’s largest tattoo parlors right in the heart of downtown Birmingham.
Coming soon:
- Iron City Games is an independent gaming studio that operates right here in Birmingham, specializing in magic, Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!. They are looking to host their grand opening in Birmingham before the end of August.
- Guthrie’s, the “original chicken finger restaurant”, will be occupying the former Iverness Zaxby’s space and joining the 280 Corridor as hungry commuters make their way in.
Birmingham receives $10.8M “Good Jobs Challenge” grant to build healthcare workforce
What’s happening: The City of Birmingham is receiving a $10.8 million “Good Jobs Challenge” grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The Magic City is one of only 32 cities nationwide to earn the award.
Why it’s important: This grant will build a pipeline of skilled healthcare and digital healthcare workers through partnerships with local healthcare employers and provides access to high-quality healthcare jobs to those communities that are traditionally underserved, including women and people of color.
NEW: $15M Marshall Steakhouse and Resort to expand into Birmingham on Hallmark Farms property
What’s happening: Award-winning Marshall Steakhouse and Resort (Marshall Steakhouse) is expanding into Birmingham on 95 acres of the “Hallmark Farms” property.
Why it’s important: Marshall Steakhouse has been featured as the “Best Steakhouse in Mississippi” by the Food Network since 2018 and includes a full service dining room and resort-style destination property. Each Marshall Steakhouse location is right outside of a large metropolitan area to attract visitors, so Warrior is the perfect fit.
Vestavia Hills passes plan to create a “new gateway” on Montgomery Highway
What’s happening: The Vestavia Hills City Council passed a measure to purchase and demolish the former Days Inn and Bar 31 making way for plans to enhance the town’s “gateway” at the southern end of Montgomery Highway.
Why it’s important: The city’s staff has been seeking ways to improve the southern end of Montgomery Highway—an area called a “gateway” to the city for over a year.
Georgia-based Wild Leap Brew Co. expands distribution to Birmingham
What’s happening: Wild Leap Brew Co., a brewery and distillery based in LaGrange, Georgia, recently expanded its distribution to several Birmingham bars, retailers and restaurants.
Why it’s important: Wild Leap has received many awards for their brews—including Best New Brewery of 2019 by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers Choice Awards. After getting requests to come to The Magic City for years, the company is excited to grow in Birmingham.
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