Reviewed by: Gabby Gervais
Top 5 stories this week including a new rooftop bar in Five Points South
Happy Monday, Birmingham! Let’s kick off the week with the top five stories you might have missed, including a bunch of new openings, plans for a rooftop bar, development and rezoning for a new apartment complex and more. Read on for details.
1. Birmingham approves rezoning former Western Supermarket site to make way for 272 apartment units
What’s happening: The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved rezoning Highland Plaza—the former site of the Western Supermarket on Highland Avenue—to make way for approximately 272 “for rent” apartment units and a limited amount of retail.
Why it matters: Some residents have concerns about how the construction on this project will impact the area. According to Birmingham City Councilors Carol Clarke and Darrell O’Quinn, the new project will not increase local stormwater and traffic issues. Administration staff spoke on the two issues and said there should not be any problems. Daniel Corporation expects to hold a groundbreaking later this summer.
2. Upscale bowling and entertainment center hopes to locate at former Hoover Whole Foods
What’s happening: Local businessman Shafiq Samji has secured a letter of intent to open Alabama’s first 810 Billiards & Bowling—a Myrtle Beach-based entertainment restaurant concept—at the former Whole Foods location in Hoover.
“810 Billiards & Bowling is high end bowling—not like your typical bowling alley at all. This concept is pretty unique, with a great restaurant and multiple attractions.”
Shafiq Samji
Why it matters: Whole Foods in Hoover closed in March 2020 due to COVID. Samji and his team will work closely with the City of Hoover on any possible zoning matters that may arise. The entertainment center will house a sports bar, gaming stations, bowling alleys, board games and billiards.
3. New entertainment venue coming to former The Hive site in Five Points South
What’s happening: Urban Parc, a dining and entertainment venue, is moving into the former site of The Hive at 1006 20th Street South in the heart of the Five Points South Entertainment District. Birmingham City Council recently approved Urban Parc’s liquor license.
Why it matters: Draper Mason, owner of Urban Smoke Bar and Grill in Fairfield, is behind the new rooftop bar concept. The new entertainment venue will include:
- Cinema called Views
- Rooftop bar
- Upscale dining experience
4. 5 exciting openings coming to Birmingham including Slice Pizza in Crestline
Now open:
- Slice Pizza & Brew has opened their fourth location in Crestline. They’re serving the same delicious pizzas by the slice alongside some unique additions from the old Sal’s Deli that used to be located in the storefront.
- New urgent care, Fast Pace Health, is now open and serving the Alabaster community. They have onsite X-rays + labs and offer fast and convenient access.
- UAB Callahan Eye is now serving those who live “over the mountain” with its new location in Homewood. From eye exams to treating eye diseases, Dr. Owen is ready to serve.
- Fitness junkies will love the new CrossFit Righteous facility in Leeds. The gym is open and running (literally) but will have a grand opening celebration on Saturday, February 25.
Coming soon:
- After a devastating fire burned down the original Poppa G’s Billiards on Chandler Place Drive, an announcement has been made for the reopening of the establishment in the popular Campus 124 center in Pelham later this spring.
5. NEW: SMOKE Bistro coming to The Pizitz Food Hall
What’s happening: A new smokehouse restaurant is coming to The Pizitz Food Hall, spearheaded by award-winning Birmingham restauranteur Chef Raquel Ervin.
Why it matters: SMOKE Bistro will be located at The Pizitz Food Hall in the former Eli’s Jerusalem Grill/Edolyn’s Pie Pie booth. The restaurant is expected to open in Spring 2023.
“Any restaurant cuisine I open will pay homage to growing up where family and soul food met each other everyday. SMOKE will have a few twists that will elevate traditional soul food with a barbecue flare. Not everything will be smoked meats as you’d find in a traditional barbecue restaurant setting, but our sauces and sides will have variations and elevations that make them tasty yet unique.”
Raquel Ervin, Chef, Panoptic Catering + SLIDE Food Truck and Cafe
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