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15+ Birmingham restaurant closings from this summer + what’s next
Here at Bham Now, we love to share the buzziest new openings in Birmingham—but unfortunately, we also see Birmingham restaurant closings. Whether they’re due to increasing rent prices, staff shortages or just business owners looking for a change, we hate to say goodbye. Here are 15 restaurants that closed in Birmingham this summer and what’s next for the spaces and owners, in no particular order.
1. Bogue’s | Highland Park
Bogue’s, a Birmingham institution that served the area with delicious breakfast, sweet rolls and welcoming staff for 84 years, officially closed this week. It’s clear people are devastated—just take a look at the hundreds of comments on this Facebook post.
What’s next: Unfortunately, there are no current plans for any future locations of Bogue’s. We aren’t sure what’s next for the building, but we’ll keep you updated when we know.
2. Over Easy | Homewood
Another Birmingham staple for breakfast, Over Easy officially closed on September 2. For over 12 years, Over Easy served The Magic City with their famous purple grits, impressing locals and food connoisseurs alike—including Cheap Eats on the Cooking Channel.
“Although it is difficult to say goodbye, we are hopeful for the future and look forward to what God has in store for our family. We are truly grateful for our loyal customers who have sustained us for so many years, and for the amazing people who have helped support and encourage us through this adventure. For our staff, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are the reason the doors open early, the coffee stays hot, the food is delicious and the space is hospitable. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Over Easy owners Steven + Ashley on Facebook
What’s next: Over Easy’s owners haven’t shared any next steps. For now, we’ll thank them for their delicious breakfasts.
3. Superior Grill | 280
Another devastating Birmingham restaurant closing—Superior Grill on Highway 280 closed in July after 27 years in Birmingham. Superior Grill was known for its Tex-Mex menu, live music and margaritas.
What’s next: Superior Grill will be focusing on their Louisiana locations, including a New Orleans location coming soon.
4. McFly’s Bird Shoppe | Five Points South
McFly’s Bird Shoppe, located in Five Points South, closed this summer after facing supply chain issues and staffing obstacles. The 90s-themed chicken tender joint was a personal favorite of mine, but I’m excited to see what’s next for them.
What’s next: SanPeggio’s Pizza has announced they’ll be taking over the former McFly’s Bird Shoppe location. There are no current plans for a new McFly’s Bird Shoppe.
5. Zoe’s Kitchen | Homewood
Birmingham-based fast-casual chain Zoe’s Kitchen joins the list of The Magic City’s restaurant closings. Homewood’s Zoe’s Kitchen officially closed this summer.
What’s next: CAVA bought Zoe’s Kitchen in 2018, and now, it looks like more CAVA locations might open—alongside the upcoming one in 20 Midtown.
6. Delta Blues Hot Tamales | Pelham
Delta Blues Hot Tamales, a fantastic restaurant that made extra care to accommodate food allergies and needs, officially closed in July. We’re hopeful that they’ll reopen at some point in the future to serve their brunch, tamales and Southern cuisine.
“We believe for seven wonderful years we did just that, all the while making many new memories and friends. Thank you for being there, and for making our journey one that is filled with fondness.”
Delta Blues Hot Tamales on Facebook
What’s next: There are no current updates on what’s next for Delta Blues Hot Tamales.
7. Twisted Root Burger Co. | Vestavia Hills
Twisted Root Burger Co., a Texas-based chain with a menu full of burgers, shut down ten of their locations due to COVID.
What’s next: You can still enjoy Twisted Root at one of their other locations. We aren’t sure what’s coming next for their former storefront.
8. Ash Neighborhood Bar & Grill | West Homewood
After a few years of serving West Homewood with delicious food, Ash’s owners were looking for new opportunities and quickly aligned with the plans Giani Respinto, owner of Gianmarco’s. On August 20, Ash Homewood officially closed.
What’s next: Ash has sold the space to Giani Respinto who will use the space as a private event venue.
9. Taproot Café | Hoover
Taproot Café was a healthy cafe opened by former Auburn University and NFL football player Reggie Torbor and his wife, Licensed Professional Counselor Michelle Torbor in 2021. The Torbors have decided to close the café to spend more time with their family.
“But after months of searching for a partner to help with daily operations and the growth of a young business, we are, once again, being guided by our family values that prioritize quality time and quality of life. It is with a perfect balance of peace and sadness that we have decided to close the doors of Taproot Café… at least for this season.”
Michelle Torbor, Owner, Taproot Café
What’s next: For now, the Torbors haven’t announced any future plans.
10. Dreamcakes
Dreamcakes, one of the most popular bakeries with locations in Hoover and Homewood, closed the doors of both of their locations after 13 years serving the community with fantastic sweets.
What’s next: There are currently no plans for any new locations of Dreamcakes. For now, we’ll appreciate the memories + stay updated on Facebook if anything changes.
Plus, who’s closing one location or relocating
This summer, we’ve also had a few Birmingham restaurant closings of restaurants that still have other locations to visit
- Abhi, The Summit: Abhi’s location at The Summit is closing, but you can enjoy Abhi’s fantastic Asian-inspired dishes at their Mountain Brook location just five minutes away.
- Mountain Brook location: 2721 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
- Carrigan’s, Mountain Brook: Carrigan’s Mountain Brook location closed, but you can visit them on Morris Ave or in Lakeview.
- Morris Ave location: 2430 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Lakeview location: 2910 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Ghost Train, 3rd Ave S: Ghost Train recently announced they’re fully relocating to their new location in M2, leaving the OG location open for a new brewery coming soon.
- 1st Ave S location: 3501 1st Ave S Ste 101B, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cajun Boys & Our Poboys, Valleydale Road + Chelsea: Cajun Boys & Our Poboys closed the doors of their Valleydale Road and Chelsea locations, but you can still enjoy their gumbo, po’boys and more in their Pelham location.
- Pelham location: 3120 County Rd 52 E, Pelham, AL 35124
- Golden Rule BBQ, Trussville: Golden Rule BBQ is Alabama’s oldest restaurant and has multiple locations. Unfortunately, their Trussville location recently closed along with Pelham and Helena locations closing. You can still find them at other locations, including Irondale.
- Other locations: Website
Support Birmingham restaurants
While we hate to say goodbye to our favorite restaurants, there are plenty of locally-owned restaurants we can support now. Whether you head to Little London Kitchen for British pub food, Bamboo on 2nd for delicious sushi or Alpha Charlie Grill for fantastic American food, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing food and support locals who deserve our love.
Check out our local business guide to find 240+ restaurants to enjoy, and add yours for free today.
Know of other Birmingham restaurant closings or what’s next for these spots? Let us know by tagging @BhamNow on social.
