Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Top 5 stories you missed including Saturn acquired by a new firm + more
Happy Monday, Birmingham! Let’s kick off the week with the top five stories you might’ve missed, including news about TVG Hospitality acquiring Saturn (don’t worry, nothing is changing!) and plans for a Powell School restoration. Read on for details.
1. Fife’s Restaurant named top breakfast joints in the South
What’s happening: Garden & Gun recently named Birmingham’s Fife’s Restaurant as one of the seven best breakfast joints in the South.
Why it matters: Fife’s has been cooking up breakfast for Bham since 1959, so you know you’re in good hands here. Gun & Garden described the spot:
“The homey restaurant shifts to cafeteria service for lunch, but scrambles eggs and flips pancakes to order. Devotees are divided on sides: Some favor thick-skinned smoked sausage, while others are partial to sweet country ham.”
Hannah Raskin, Garden & Gun
2. Saturn in Avondale acquired by TVG Hospitality
What’s happening: Ben Lovett—CEO of TVG Hospitality and member of Mumford & Sons—announced today that his firm had acquired Saturn, a beloved live music venue, bar and coffee shop in Avondale.
Why it matters: Although Saturn is being acquired by a new firm, Saturn owner Brian Teasley, assured fans on Facebook that “nothing is changing.”
“Nothing is changing other than that we’ll be part of a truly great independent music team who have the same ethos and pride with how we all care for musicians and for the shows we do. The whole point is to connect with like minded people who truly believe in music and how much it means to our communities. I’ll still be almost falling off ladders and changing light bulbs most days at Saturn so feel to come watch the fun!”
Brian Teasley, Owner, Saturn
3. Magic City Brewery Trail is complete with 12 breweries
What’s happening: It’s no secret Birmingham has the best brewery scene in the South. The Magic City Brewery Trail is the perfect way to try 12 different breweries to satisfy your taste buds.
Why it matters: With Uproot Brewing now open in the former Ghost Train location, the brewery trail is complete. The trail starts with Monday Night Brewing in Downtown Birmingham and ends with True Story Brewing Company in Crestwood. Put on a pair of walking shoes and enjoy the trail.
4. Craft’s on Church Street expands to Southside + 6 other openings
Now open:
- Craft’s on 7th Avenue has expanded from its Mountain Brook location. You will still find all your favorite menu items such as the Eddie Deluxe (fried chicken breast, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, and tomato).
- Blackbird, which is owned by the same people as Dear Prudence, is the newest gift boutique to hit the area. Located in Hoover’s Patton Creek Shopping Center this is the stores first Alabama location.
- Uproot Brewing is now open and serving the tastiest brews. Located along 3rd Avenue South, Nate Darnell, the owner of Uproot Brewing is excited to serve the Birmingham community.
- 7 Brew Coffee is a one-of-a-kind drive-true coffee stand. Now open along Moody Parkway, come meet the energetic staff and try their delicious coffee.
- Dynamic Discs Iron City has opened its fifth location in Downtown Calera. At each store, you’ll find disc golf equipment, apparel and accessories.
- The University of Montevallo is implementing a new and free-to-the-public wellness clinic on campus. Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic offers general, group and play therapy, plus more.
Coming soon:
- Salon 43 One is expanding to Hoover, located across from the Hoover Met Complex. The site plans to break ground soon with hopes to open for business later this year.
5. 3 prominent local developers hope to restore historic Powell School
What’s happening: The Birmingham City Council’s Economic Development & Tourism Committee unanimously passed a measure today to terminate a redevelopment agreement between the City of Birmingham and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation concerning Powell School.
Why it matters: Powell School was built in 1888. Shuttered since 2001, the historic 16,944 square-foot schoolhouse caught fire in 2011, substantially damaging the building. This is one of Birmingham’s most historic buildings. If the committee terminates the deed restrictions, there are three groups looking to restore the school.
“We’ve got three prominent groups working on this: Stewart/Perry, Sloss Real Estate and Harbert Realty. All three of us have done historic preservation downtown.”
David Williams, President + CEO, Harbert Realty Services
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