Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Top 5 stories this week, including Homewood Gourmet relocating + Ensley Fairfield Mattress company closing after 100+ years
Happy Tuesday, Birmingham! 2023 is officially here. How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? Read on for the buzziest stories you may have missed, including a myriad of new openings and Ensley Fairfield Mattress company closing after 100+ years.
1. Barbeque & Biryani, authentic South Central Indian cuisine, opens near UAB Hospital
What’s happening: A new family-owned restaurant, Barbeque & Biryani, has opened at Southside Station (401 19th Street South, formerly Milo’s Hamburgers) in the heart of the UAB medical district. The spot serves South Central Indian cuisine such as biryani, multiple kinds of curries, kabobs, chicken Tandoori and more.
Why it matters: According to owner Mohammed Shahed, Barbecue & Biryani is the only authentic biryani making spot in the city of Birmingham, so you definitely want to give it a try.
“The speciality of our restaurant is biryani which is rice cooked with meat. It could be goat meat or lamb meat or chicken. It is marinated in yogurt and selected spices and layered over with rice. Both are pressure cooked in such a way that the meat tenderizes but the rice doesn’t.”
Mohammed Shahed, owner, Barbecue & Biryani
2. 4 new food spots open + coming soon in Birmingham
New year, new spots to try! Here are a few new openings and businesses coming soon around town:
Now Open:
- Capella Pizzeria is now open in Inverness, serving up wood-fired pizza with classical Italian music and European football games playing on TV.
- Treat yourself to delectable milkshakes and sweet treats at Magic Milkshakes & More in Hoover.
- Coffee, books and flowers, oh my! A bookstore with seating and a coffee cart have been added to Flower Betty, a flower business in Vestavia Hills. Note: Flower Betty was impacted by damaging flooding over the holidays. While they’re still operating their flower business remotely, your help is needed to rebuild. Here’s how.
Coming Soon:
- Rocky Ridge is getting a new spot for those with a sweet tooth. Sunshine Creamery, opening in early 2023, will feature 36 flavors, ice cream cakes, shakes, sundaes and more delicious goodness.
3. NEW: Santos Coffee opens 3rd Birmingham location on Acton Road
What’s happening: Santos Coffee, a Guatemalan coffee shop that serves unique, high-quality coffee blends, has officially opened their Acton Road location in the former Gentry’s Pharmacy space at the corner of Cahaba River Road and Acton Road.
Why it matters: This is the coffeehouse’s third location in the Birmingham area. The prime location features ample parking spaces and a drive-thru for those on-the-go orders. Plus, their cold brew machine is one of the first of its kind in the US.
4. Homewood Gourmet to relocate and expand in 2023
What’s happening: Popular Southern-style eatery Homewood Gourmet is relocating to a larger and more accessible location within the city of Homewood by spring of 2023. The restaurant is moving from its present Merchant’s Walk location to 2705 18th Place South, which is behind Little Donkey and Rodney Scott’s BBQ.
Why it matters: A long-standing staple in the community, Homewood Gourmet will continue to serve up its classic dishes, including:
- Original Baby Blue Salad and their restaurant’s famous spiced pecans
- Fried Gulf Shrimp Poboys
- House-made Pimento Cheese
While they transition to their new home, you can still place catering orders at 205.871.1620.
5. Ensley Fairfield Mattress company closes after 100+ years in Birmingham
What’s happening: After over 100 years in operation, one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Birmingham—Ensley Fairfield Mattress—is officially closing its doors. In a press release available on their website, the company explained the decision to close came during a time of transition for the family:
“As we approach our 108th year serving the Birmingham metro, the third generation owner of Ensley Fairfield Mattress Company is ready to turn in their keys and finally enjoy a much deserved retirement. As a family we had conversations of whether to keep stores open and continue to operate the traditional way that Birmingham has become so accustom to, but the best party guest always knows the right time to leave. We know that in this transition it is the right time for our family close our final retail store in Alabama.”
Why it matters: Founded in 1915, Ensley Fairfield Mattress has been owned and operated by four generations of the Holtzclaw family. Support the family-owned business in their final retirement sale, going on through the end of this month while supplies last.
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