Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
Now the News: 12 new businesses open in Birmingham, YMCA closing its 4th Ave location + more
Happy Monday, Birmingham! We’re kicking off a new week with all of the latest happenings, including some exciting new businesses, a new jazz lounge and Alabama’s first downhill mountain biking park. Keep reading for all the deets.
12 exciting new businesses in Birmingham including Biscuit Love
Birmingham is always full of new openings. From the hottest new fitness spots to the yummiest new bakeries, here’s what’s new and coming soon in The Magic City:
Now Open:
- Hello Bakery is now serving fresh pastries and homemade small-batch ice cream in Crestline Gardens.
- Johnny Was, a California-based women’s fashion lifestyle brand, just opened its first Alabama location in The Summit.
- Last Call Baking Co. soft launched their brick-and-mortar store.
- X⁴ Fitness opened the doors to its location in the New Ideal building near The Pizitz.
- Dogtopia, the fastest-growing dog daycare brand in the country recently opened in Homewood.
- The day is finally here—Jeni’s is now open in Lane Park.
- Morning Sickness Clinic just opened and is helping pregnant women get treatment for nausea, dehydration and more.
Coming soon:
- Spartan Fitness, a martial arts school, is planning to open a second location in Moody.
- Biscuit Love, a Nashville-based brunch concept, is coming to Cahaba Heights by mid-December.
Uptown Jazz Lounge now open in Birmingham
What’s happening: Uptown Jazz—a new jazz club formed by four Birmingham entrepreneurs is officially open. The owners plan to have live jazz performances most weekend nights and will incorporate open mic nights, karaoke and spoken word performances throughout the week.
Why it matters: Uptown Jazz is Birmingham’s only jazz lounge, founded by four locals: Rod Conwell, Patrick Chatman I, Patrick Chatman II and Larry Forest. The owners created Uptown Jazz to bring back the magic of the jazz joints that were so popular in the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.
RideBHM—Alabama’s first-ever downhill mountain biking park—opens Nov. 19
What’s happening: On November 19, RideBHM is officially opening, bringing the mountain biking experience to the Birmingham. Perfect for any skill level, RideBHM aims to give even beginners a great experience from the start.
Why it matters: Red Mountain Park is RideBHM’s landlord, so when people go to RideBHM, they’re supporting Red Mountain Park. The park will start with with mountain bike trails but hopes to grow and build out a full resort experience.
UAB ranked in the top 8% of global universities
What’s happening: In a recent report from the U.S. News & World Report, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has been ranked in the top 8 percent of global universities AND as the highest-ranked school in Alabama.
Why it matters: This year, UAB ranked 160th out of more than 2,000 worldwide universities in the 2022 survey. One of the biggest reasons UAB ranked so highly was the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine—the school placed in the top 100 in seven areas in the top 100 global ranking.
YMCA of Greater Birmingham to close 4th Ave N location
What’s happening: The YMCA of Greater Birmingham‘s Board of Directors announced its downtown location on Fourth Avenue North will officially close on December 31. It is closing, but it’s not gone forever. The YMCA is continuing its efforts to secure a new location for its downtown services and programs.
Why it matters: The building at 2101 4th Avenue North has been home to the YMCA of Greater Birmingham since the facility opened in 1985. With 37 years as an important resource and mainstay for the community, the location is closing due to a decline in membership and significant operating costs.
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