Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Top 5 stories you missed including an $800K community grant + a bunch of new openings
Reading time: 4 minutes
Happy Monday, Birmingham! Let’s kick off the week with the top five stories you might’ve missed, including Big Whiskey’s second Alabama location in Hoover, an $800K grant to reconnect communities and the return of Milo’s Hamburgers downtown. Read on for details.
1. Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar to open 2nd location in Hoover
What’s happening: Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar announced plans this week to open its second location in Hoover at Tattersall Park. The new 6000 square foot freestanding restaurant will be situated next to Publix.
Why it matters: The first Big Whiskey’s location, which opened at Hoover’s Stadium Trace development in July 2020, shattered sales records despite social distancing restrictions due to COVID.
“We’ve been really impressed by the ownership group in Alabama who pushed through the uncertainty of the last few years to make this deal happen. The Birmingham area loves Big Whiskey’s, that’s been proven by the continued record breaking sales, and we are eager to really plant our flag in the Birmingham area.”
Austin Herschend, President of Franchising, Big Whiskey’s
2. City of Birmingham awarded $800K planning grant to reconnect communities
What’s happening: The City of Birmingham has received a planning grant of $800K from the US Department of Transportation. The funds is part of a $185 million grant through the new Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.
Why it matters: The Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative that looks to reconnect neighborhoods by removing, retrofitting or mitigating transportation barriers, including highways and railroad tracks.
“Transportation should connect, not divide, people and communities. We are proud to announce the first grantees of our Reconnecting Communities Program, which will unite neighborhoods, ensure the future is better than the past and provide Americans with better access to jobs, health care, groceries and other essentials.”
Pete Buttigieg, Secretary, US Department of Transportation
3. City of Irondale holds first community event at former Zamora Shrine Center
What’s happening: The City of Irondale held its first community event since purchasing the former Zamora Shrine Center—a beloved event space that held everything from high school proms to the annual Birmingham Feline Fanciers CFA Cat Show.
Why it matters: On Friday, February 24, the city held its first community event at the newly named Irondale Civic Center. Titled “Irondale: We Got Game” night, the free event featured board games, bingo, a movie showing, pizza and more. The exciting part—approximately 250 people were in attendance.
4. Milo’s Hamburgers opened new location in downtown Birmingham, March 3
What’s happening: After a short hiatus, Milo’s Hamburgers has officially returned to downtown Birmingham. Founded in The Magic City in 1946, Milo’s is known for their secret sauce on burgers, crinkle cut fries and, of course—their famous sweet tea.
Why it matters: Starting on Tuesday, March 7th, Milo’s will celebrate the grand opening of the Midtown location by giving away 100 bottles of Milo’s sauce to the first 100 customers, along with a ticket for a free cheeseburger when you download Milo’s app for iPhone and Android.
5. All Original Pizzeria opens 3rd location in Hoover
What’s happening: A new All Original Pizzeria location celebrated its grand opening in Hoover earlier this month. The pizzeria is now serving fresh, handmade pizzas and more every day.
Why it matters: All Original Pizzeria was established in 2003. You may have visited their other two locations in McCalla and Helena. The new Hoover location is now open at 1694 Montgomery Highway Suite 116 in the Centre at Riverchase Shopping Center.
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