Birmingham approves $450K in incentives for new restaurant + speakeasy concept

Yesterday, the Birmingham City Council approved $450K in tax incentives for a new restaurant and speakeasy concept coming soon to downtown Birmingham. Read on to learn what we know so far!

Exciting restaurant concepts coming soon to Birmingham

In case you missed it, yesterday’s meeting of the Birmingham City Council was an exciting one. For starters, the city council approved a liquor license for Sloan—a new concept from the owners of Bocca Ristorante and Bistro 218 located in the former Pale Eddie’s Pour House at 2308 2nd Avenue North.

In addition, the city approved $450,000 in tax incentives over the next five years for two new projects in the Armour & Co. building:

• A high-end restaurant concept dubbed Armour House
• A daring speakeasy concept called Pogo

According to the website, Armour House will be “a sophisticated brasserie where fresh local fare, an expertly curated wine collection, imaginative artisanal cocktails and exceptional hospitality come together for an unforgettable dining journey,” and will feature:

• Raw bar & shareables including fresh oysters, seafood towers and delectable appetizers like blue crab salad and whipped goat cheese.
• Small plates like snapper crudo, beef tartar and charred asparagus cavatelli.
• Entrees such as the CAB filet mignon, braised lamb shank and grilled king salmon.
• A la carte options—such as pomme Puree and morelle mushrooms—designed to complement main dishes.

In addition to Armour House, the project includes Pogo—a hidden speakeasy located within the historic walls of the Armour & Co. building. Details about the mysterious speakeasy are few, but we know the establishment will pride itself on sippable cocktails and a charming, old-fashioned atmosphere.

Cornell Wesley—Director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity with the City of Birmingham—is one of the many people excited to see what Armour House and Pogo will have to offer.

“When new businesses open, I often ponder the question, ‘What issue are they addressing?’ In the case of Armour House, we have a unique concept that is currently absent in downtown.

This concept will enhance the already thriving culinary haven of first and second avenues and the exceptional executive amenities that will undoubtedly revolutionize the scene.

Our objective is to encourage individuals to stay downtown and fully immerse themselves in the diverse culinary experiences it has to offer. I am thrilled that Armour House will serve as an enticing incentive for engaging in these activities.”

Cornell Wesley, Director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, City of Birmingham

Stay tuned to Bham Now as we learn more about this exciting development in the coming months + tag @bhamnow to let us know which part you’re most excited about!