Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Top 5 stories this week including renovation plans for historic Sloss Quarters + reopening of original Zoës Kitchen
Can you believe we are already halfway through January, Birmingham? As you get ready for another week, here are the top stories you may have missed including the announcement of the original Zoës Kitchen reopening in Mountain Brook and more.
Krystal opened a new concept location on Center Point Parkway, Jan. 10
What’s happening: Krystal opened its first location in six years with a smaller and more stylish eatery in Center Point on Tuesday, January 10.
Why it matters: The Krystal in Center Point is branded as a “new concept”, steering away from the traditional fast-food-style building. Fast facts:
- The new space is 20% smaller than the traditional Krystal, decreasing from 2700 sq. ft. to 1700 sq. ft.
- It’s designed for ready-to-go orders with double-lane pickup, a walk-up window and a pickup area for online orders + third-party delivery
- No dining room, so you can grab your food and go
5 new + coming soon Birmingham businesses including Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Let’s round up the latest Bham openings from last week!
Now open:
- Blue Sushi Sake Grill, is a hip, Earth-conscious, sushi shop located at The Summit. It promises every menu item comes from sustainable practices and responsible sourcing to protect the ecosystem.
- K & J’s Elegant Pastries opens its second location in Hoover. From cupcakes to shakes and cakes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
- Teenie’s Take-Home Market in Mountain Brook offers made-from-scratch, take-and-make items like lasagna, Greek chicken and rice and even the Alabama-famous breakup cookie.
- Compassionate Crossings is an in-home pet euthanasia service company that strives to make the painful times of a pet’s death more bearable.
Coming soon:
- Sunshine Creamery is the newest ice cream parlor coming to Vestavia Hills. The shop plans to open during the first quarter of 2023.
UAB & Jeffco break ground on new $120M Cooper Green building
What’s happening: Cooper Green Mercy Health broke ground last week on a new $120M building to house its clinical operations, replacing the current clinic that dates back to the early 1970s.
Why it matters: The face lift will include many updated amenities including:
- A phlebotomy and injection clinic
- An expanded rehabilitation suite
- Clinic areas are designed to support team-based, multidisciplinary care
- Gift shop and food service options
- New MRI machine
John Cassimus announces return of Zoës Kitchen in Crestline
What’s happening: The Cassimus family, the founders of Zoës Kitchen, posted on social media their intention to reopen the popular Mountain Brook Crestline location (225 Country Club Park) which closed last month. This will be the original Zoës you knew and loved—same menu + owners.
Why it matters: Most of Zoë’s Kitchens have been bought out by Cava, making Birmingham residents sad to see the original menu change. The reopening of the original Zoës has caused an overwhelming, positive response from the community.
Renovation planned for historic Sloss Quarters site in Birmingham [Photos]
What’s happening: The team behind Sloss Furnaces has big plans for three long-vacant structures on the Sloss campus, including artist gallery space, art studios and more resources for the Sloss Metal Arts program. Here’s how they plan to renovate:
- Transforming the northern brick building into a space for artists with Sloss Metal Arts
- Turning the southern building into a gallery and event space, with space for art studios, classrooms and workspace
- Utilizing the small infirmary building to house a historic exhibit about Sloss Quarters
Why it matters:
“Sloss Furnaces is an important chapter in the story of Birmingham—in fact, there will be a documentary of the history on Alabama Public Television on Thursday, January 19. Projects like the restoration of Sloss Quarters help link our past to our future.”
David Arias, Executive Director, Sloss Furnaces
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