Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
15 places we were heartbroken to see close in 2022 in The Magic City
Reading time: 9 minutes
While the Greater Birmingham Area had over 60 openings in 2022, we also saw some of our community favorites close. Our hearts broke to say goodbye to these 15 local spots in the past year.
January
1. Macy’s at Brookwood Village
Brookwood Village has been a staple shopping center in town for many years. The closing of Macy’s after 48 years made us nostalgic about the memories.
“Call me old-fashioned, but I will miss Brookwood Village and Macy’s which closed at the beginning of 2022. The Macy’s at Brookwood had it all. From clothing to furniture and kitchen items—EVERYTHING—in one place. I also miss walking through Brookwood, browsing the store fronts, seeing friends and yes, at this time of year, visiting Santa.”
Pat Byington, Content Director, Bham Now
July
2. Superior Grill
Opening in the fall of 1995, locals were sad to see the Birmingham location of this Mexican restaurant chain close on July 31. Known for its Tex-Mex menu, margaritas and music, Superior Grill is missed on U.S. 280.
August
3. Ash Neighborhood & Grill
Serving American classics and fresh dishes, Ash Neighborhood Bar & Grill was only in West Homewood for a few short years. On August 20, this restaurant closed its doors and sold the space to Giani Respinto, the owner of Gianmarco’s in Edgewood.
“Over the past few months we have looked for new opportunities that put our family first and this desire aligned with another local business owner’s plans.
Our family is sad to close this chapter, but very excited about what lies ahead for us. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your relentless support and encouragement.”
Ash Homewood, Facebook
4. Carrigan’s Mountain Brook
With signature cocktails, upscale bar foods and healthy options, Carrigan’s Mountain Brook has been a perfect place to hang out with pals since 2019. While this beloved Birmingham spot closed, you can still grab a cold one at the downtown pub or the Lakeview beer garden.
- Carrigan’s Public House: 2430 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Carrigan’s Beer Garden: 2910 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
5. Dreamcakes
For the past 13 years, has been a fan-fave spot for a sweet treat. On August 13, Dreamcakes served its last, tasty cupcake to the Edgewood and Hoover communities.
“We absolutely loved being part of your celebrations and sharing our craft in a way that brought happiness. We are extremely humbled that so many embraced our little local bakery. It truly was a dream come true for these 13 years and is an accomplishment of which we can all be proud. Dreamcakes could not have done it without all of you!”
Dreamcakes, Website
6. Three locations of Golden Rule BBQ
During this year, the Pelham, Helena and Trussville locations of Golden Rule BBQ closed. With classics like BBQ pork, smoked turkey, potato salad and more, this spot was a fan-fave in the community. But don’t worry, you can still get your favorites in Irondale, Pell City and more.
Plus, Golden Rule BBQ is coming back to Trussville due to a partnership with Kemp’s Kitchen—woohoo!
- Golden Rule & Kemp’s Kitchen: 120 S Chalkville Rd, Trussville, AL 35173
September
7. Bogue’s Restaurant
We were devasted when this beloved Birmingham restaurant closed after 84 years. Started in 1938 on Clairmont Avenue, Bogue’s Restaurant was one of Birmingham’s longest-lasting restaurants. We desperately miss their delicious sweet rolls—a special recipe by original owner Mildred Bogue.
Over the years, this fan-fave restaurant won its fair share of awards and rightfully so. Bogue’s was named the Best Diner in Alabama by Business Insider and was featured on extracrispy.com‘s “51 Best Breakfast Destinations in America” list.
“Bogue’s was the real deal—pure Birmingham culture with servers who call you ‘baby’ and remember your favorite order time and time again. Some of the same cooks and servers would greet you with big, broad smiles for over 30 years. Locals would come on Saturday morning with bed head and friendly, warm chatter. Bogue’s was so warm and homey.”
Cindy Martin, Founder & CEO, Bham Now
8. Mr. Burch
This store has been the go-to place to dress to the nines for over 50 years. We miss Mr. Burch’s making 1st Ave N. dapper. However, you can still stop by the Mountain Brook and Hoover locations to rent a tuxedo for your special occasion.
- Mountain Brook: 2829 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Hoover: 1615 Montgomery Hwy # 118, Hoover, AL 35216
9. Over Easy
This fan-fave spot on the bridge between Mountain Brook Village and Homewood was one of the best places to start your morning. With classic dishes like biscuits and gravy, we’ll miss having breakfast with friends at Over Easy.
“For nearly 12 years, Over Easy has provided for our family, created countless memories, taught us invaluable life lessons and allowed us to serve our incredible community. 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.”
Steven and Ashley Jackson, Owners, Over Easy
10. Little London Kitchen
Iconic, beloved and oh-so British, this double-decker, red bus is missed dearly. To match the aesthetic and its name, Little London Kitchen served British classics like bangers and mash and fish ‘n chips. Our hearts broke to hear that this Homewood spot had to close due to staffing troubles and rising food costs.
“We appreciate all of the love and support you have shown us throughout the last few weeks. You have truly shown the power of community. However, we cannot in good conscience continue to deliver the level of service we have as we are so understaffed.”
The Little London Kitchen, Instagram
11. Nabeel’s Cafe & Market
For over 50 years, Nabeel’s has been an essential spot in the Homewood community. Founded by Nabeel Shunnarah, John and Ottavia Krontiras took over ownership of the market/restaurant in 1993. Then, in 2017, Ramsey Duck continued to build off the previous owners’ legacies. On September 30, this Mediterranean restaurant and market said goodbye to downtown Homewood.
12. Huffstutler’s Hardware
Since the 1930s, the Homewood community has been getting all of its DIY necessities from Huffstutler’s Hardware. Previously located on the block where Homewood City Hall is, this hardware store moved to its location on Central Ave. in the early 2000s.
“It’s 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 Huffstutlers name has been synonymous with Homewood for decades, and while it’s a sad day for our city, we wish them the very best.”
Patrick McClusky, Mayor, City of Homewood
November
13. Underground Vegan
Vegan lovers, saying farewell to Underground Vegan’s brick-and-mortar store in Five Points South was difficult. Luckily, we can still chow down on this plant-based menu, including Philly fries and chicken tenders, at their scrumptious food truck.
“It’s sad to see Underground Vegan go. The owner, Khalilah, was so sweet and went out of her way to make sure everyone had a great experience. I’ll truly miss the Rodeo Burger. “
Tira Davis, TikTok Manager, Bham Now
December
14. Botanica
Botanica, a shop with cute houseplants and floral decor, closed downtown on December 24. Owner Caitlin Hastings is still going to share her plant knowledge with her plantscaping services for residents and businesses in Birmingham and Huntsville. Plus, Botanica’s Huntsville location will stay open under new ownership.
“Since 2018, Botanica has provided me a creative escape from my stressful career as a physician assistant and I am so thankful for each and every one of you who made that possible by supporting our small business. The plantscaping and design aspect of this business is what I’ve grown to love more than anything, so I’m very excited to continue making spaces greener and spreading my love for plants around Birmingham and Huntsville.”
Caitlin Hastings, Owner, Botanica
15. YMCA of Greater Birmingham
After 37 years as an important resource and mainstay for the community, YMCA of Greater Birmingham’s downtown location will close at the end of 2022. Fortunately, this community center is searching for a new location for its downtown services and programs—such as the increasingly-popular Parkside district.
“The Y is more than a building; we are committed to the downtown community, and that won’t change.”
Dan Pile, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Birmingham
If you’re in Huntsville, here are the businesses we didn’t want to see close in 2022.
Which places that closed in 2022 broke your heart? Let us know @BhamNow on Facebook + Instagram.
