Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Now the News: AMC Summit 16 to get $5.1M facelift, EATS Highland closing temporarily + more
Reading time: 5 minutes
Happy Monday, Birmingham. Are you ready to get this new week in The Magic City Started? Scroll on for the buzziest happenings from around the city, including AMC Summit 16 getting a $5.1M facelift, EATS on Highlands closing temporarily, tons of new openings and more.
AMC Summit 16 is getting a $5.1M transformation
What’s happening: Right on time for its 25th anniversary, AMC Summit 16 is getting a major $5.1M upgrade, including new seats and a refresh of the 16-auditorium theater, updates to the concession area and box office and improvements to the floors. Petrie Construction is the contractor for the renovation project.
Why it matters: AMC Summit 16 was one of the first multiplex theaters in Birmingham to offer 100% stadium seating. Disney’s Flubber, animated-favorite Anastasia and Alien: Ressurection were the top-grossing movies at the time of the theater’s opening in November 1997. After years of folks enjoying movies here, this theater is definitely due for some upgrades.
Biscuit Love to open in Cahaba Heights by mid-December
What’s happening: Nashville-based brunch concept Biscuit Love has become a fan-favorite across Tennessee. Now, they’re expanding with their first Alabama location, opening in Cahaba Heights by mid-December. Melanie Zarzaur, a long-time member of the Vestavia Hills hospitality community, will run the location as owner and operator.
Why it matters: Warm, flaky, made-from-scratch biscuits…need I say more? Biscuit Love’s menu includes breakfast and lunch favorites with a twist. Get this, you can indulge in a buttermilk biscuit topped with a Nashville-style spicy boneless “hot chicken” thigh, pickles, mustard and honey. Yeah, I’ll be counting down the days until these doors open.
9 new Birmingham businesses, including Adiõs bar
Birmingham is constantly growing, and as always, we’ve got you covered with the latest places to grab a bite, sip on a cocktail or fill your shopping bag. Let’s dive in:
Now Open:
- Adiõs, a cocktail bar from José Medina Camacho and Jesús Méndez, is now open on 1st Avenue N in Birmingham. Trust me, their Adiõs Mule is incredible.
- Get your sweat on at The Fitness Court, a free outdoor fitness court in Leeds brought to the city thanks to a partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBS).
- Dimples Flower Shop, which doubles as a spot to buy flowers and a boutique with clothing and accessories, is now open on Morris Ave.
- Popular fast-casual Mediterranean spot CAVA is now open in Homewood and Brook Highland to satisfy those pita cravings.
- With tons of equipment and personal training options, CLUB4 Fitness is now open and ready for your next workout in Hoover.
Coming Soon:
- Longtime Birmingham-favorite restaurant La Paz is gearing up to open its third location in Hoover, offering catering services and delicious bites.
- Icon Trussville, the first and only golf cart dealership in Trussville, opens Friday, November 18.
- San Fransisco-based bike and e-scooter rental company Lime was just approved to come to The Magic City.
- Authentic Mexican food spot Baja California opens a new location with the same menu favorites on Crestwood Boulevard soon.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Closures to expect Nov. 6-11
What’s happening: Be prepared for some traffic slowdowns and closed exits and on-ramps on the Red Mountain Expressway this week. From Sunday, November 6-Friday November 11, 7PM-6AM, Alabama Department of Transportation is closing the outside (right) lane of US-31 northbound and southbound between Milepost 270.8 and Milepost 275.3 for the construction of a Barrier Wall and Guardrail Installation.
Plus, the following on-ramps and exits will be affected:
- Nightly closure of the northbound on-ramps from University Boulevard and 3rd Alley as well as the US-31 northbound exit ramp at 3rd Alley
- Southbound on-ramp from University Boulevard will be closed tonight, Monday, November 7
- Southbound on-ramp from Highland Avenue will be closed tonight, Monday, November 7
Why it matters: Nobody likes getting stuck in traffic! ALDOT suggests motorists consider alternate routes and adjust departure and arrival times this week.
EATS on Highland closing temporarily, cites food costs
What’s happening: EATS on Highland, a local restaurant that serves a wide range of Southern meals and Cuba-inspired Latin cuisine, is temporarily closing its doors. Located near Highland Avenue’s Caldwell Park, owners Chef Wendy and Richard Cruse cited inflation and rising food costs for the closure.
Why it matters: We hate to see locally-owned restaurants struggling. According to the owners, EATS on Highland is planning how to proceed after Thanksgiving.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: Dreading the kitchen work for your upcoming Thanksgiving meal? Support a local restaurant and enjoy the day off from cooking by preordering a Thanksgiving meal from EATS Highland. Check out their Thanksgiving ToGo menu and send in your order via email. The deadline for orders is Friday, November 18.
OPENING: Last Call Baking Co. announces soft launch
What’s happening: You may recognize Last Call Baking Co. and their delicious baked goods from pop-ups around town, including at The General, Domestique and Daily Edition. Now, the yummy pastries have a permanent brick-and-mortar home, right next to June Coffee. Check out their hours and latest creations on Instagram.
Why it matters: One bite of Last Call’s cakes, cookies and croissants and you’ll understand why this news is so exciting. Chanah Willis started the company back in 2020 in their apartment kitchen. We love seeing talented locals grow their businesses.
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