Many of us may have slowed down during Thanksgiving break, but Birmingham didn’t. We know of many exciting businesses that just opened, plus other places coming soon to The Magic City. Read on to learn about your new favorite spots.

1. Guthrie’s Chicken | Hwy 280

I may or may not forever be upset that this location of Guthrie’s Chicken wasn’t open when I lived off Highway 280. This “original chicken finger restaurant” truly serves the best of the best when it comes to delicious, hot, fried chicken. My go-to order is the Gut Box, which is filled with chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, cole slaw, Texas toast and Guthrie’s signature sauce. I always ask for an extra sauce—trust me, you can never have enough.

Location: 4629 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242
Hours: Monday-Tuesday + Thursday-Sunday, 10AM-10PM | Wednesday 10AM-8PM
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Dreamz Bar & Lounge | West End

A new bar may be coming to the West End neighborhood, according to the Birmingham Business Journal. On Thursday, November 29, the Birmingham City Council will make a decision on providing up to $100,000 in financial investments to Dreamz Bar & Lounge Inc.

With upscale dishes like lobster tail and oxtails, owner Demetrius Carr plans to serve a delicious breakfast and lunch and then reopen with a late-night menu. Plus, he plans to have 65 job openings at the restaurant—get your resume ready.

Location: 1506 Pearson Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211

3. Comfort Dogs | Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Southwest is bringing back daily flights to DC and Houston from Birmingham. Photo via Birmingham Airport Authority. — Flying just became better. (Birmingham Airport Authority)

It’s no secret that traveling can be stressful. So, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport teamed up with Traveler Loving Canines (TLC) volunteers—trained and certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs—to create their Comfort Dogs program. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, these trained, sweet dogs will be in the terminal to be your furry friend.

Location: 5900 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35212
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. clearMINDnow

A Birmingham-based company, clearMINDnow, is taking its app nationwide. This app does way more than just remote drug testing—it provides support and education for families navigating substance use disorders.

Available via subscription, saliva test kits are mailed to users. The app takes users through a step-by-step process that takes 15-20 minutes to complete, which provides test results via text and email through artificial intelligence and remote monitoring. An amazing part of clearMINDnow is that if there’s an unexpected result, resources are given to use to move forward.