Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Now the News: 2 iconic Homewood businesses close, Golden Rule BBQ + Kempโs Kitchen return to Trussville + more
Reading time: 5 minutes

Happy Monday, Birmingham! We hope you had a restful weekend. Ready to hit the ground running? Weโve got you covered with buzzy happenings from around the โHam, including the unfortunate closings of Nabeelโs and Huffstutlerโs Hardware, new openings + more. Read on for the details.
Huffstutlerโs Hardware, a Homewood original, closing this fall

Whatโs happening: Beloved neighborhood hardware store, Huffstutlerโs Hardware, is closing later this fall. After receiving a tip that the hardware store may be closing, Bham Now visited the shop where several longtime staffers confirmed the news. Various handwritten signs with closeout sales + operating hours have been posted on the doorโview them here.
Why it matters: Huffstutlerโs Hardware is a Homewood original, first opening its doors back in the 1930s. Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky bid a heartfelt goodbye to the shop:
โItโs always hard to see a staple from the community make the difficult decision to move on, but when you think of the iconic representation that Huffstutlers has had in Homewood, it hurts just a little worse. The Huffstutlerโs name has been synonymous with Homewood for decades, and while itโs a sad day for our city, we wish them the very best. Homewood will miss you!โ
Patrick McClusky, Mayor, City of Homewood
Nabeelโs in Homewood is closing its doors after 50 years

Whatโs happening: After 50 years of serving the community with delicious Mediterranean food, Nabeelโs Cafe & Market in Homewood has closed its doors. With a wide variety of tasty menu offerings as well as a full international market in-house, Nabeelโs will certainly be missed.
Why it matters: Nabeelโs has been around in Homewood longer than some of us have been alive. Itโs sad to see yet another longtime Birmingham staple close down. Details remain unconfirmed surrounding the reason for the storeโs closing and what will be replacing it.
7 new Birmingham businesses opening now + coming soon
Now that weโve broken your heart as we bid farewell to two Homewood staples, itโs time for some brighter news. We have your weekly roundup of businesses open now and coming soon around town:
Now Open
- Enjoy delicious elevated street food at Encore Rouge, a food truck turned brick-and-mortar in Southside.
- From smoothies to sandwiches, get your fix of treats that are yummy and healthy at Clean Juice in Lane Parke.
- Birmingham has a new brewery to visitโmeet Asheville-based Hi-Wire Brewing in Downtown Birmingham.
- The White House Interiors opened their second location in Hoover for all your dream home makeover needs. Stop by tomorrow, Tuesday, October 4 for their official grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration.
- Get your caffeine fix and give back to the community at the same time at The Modern House Coffee Shop in Titusville.
Coming Soon
- Irondale-based roaster Red Bike Coffee is bringing its popular blends to the former Crestwood Coffee location in early December.
- A new drive-thru coffee shop, Scooterโs Coffee, is reportedly making its way to US Highway 280 with tasty sandwiches and coffee by early 2023.
Kempโs Kitchen + Golden Rule BBQ team up for BIG RETURN to Trussville

Whatโs happening: Were you upset at the closures of beloved Trussville spots Kempโs Kitchen and Golden Rule BBQ earlier this year? Great news, theyโre both coming backโฆ and under one roof! Construction has already begun, with an opening date slated for December 1.
Why it matters: Located within Trussvilleโs Entertainment District, this dynamic restaurant duo marks a historic moment for the city as two well-known establishments are set to rise from the ashes. Golden Rule BBQ is one of Alabamaโs oldest running restaurants, and Kempโs Kitchen opened its first-ever location in Trussville back in 2017.
Scooterโs Coffee opening first Birmingham-area location

Whatโs happening: Nebraska-based drive-in coffee franchise Scooterโs Coffee is opening a new location along US Highway 280 this December. With plenty of coffee drinks (hot, blended or iced) and smoothies, teas and breakfast food options, we canโt wait to give this spot a try.
Why it matters: We can never get enough coffee spots to try around town. This marks the sixth Alabama location for the shop, but the first in the Greater Birmingham Area. Plus, according to the Birmingham Business Journal, Scooterโs franchise operator Grady Ross plans to open four or five more Scooterโs Coffee locations in the Birmingham area.
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