Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
5 new + coming soon businesses in the Magic City—plus 3 we’re sad to see go
Reading time: 5 minutes
Happy Monday, Birmingham! It’s a new week, and there are all kinds of happenings in the Magic City.
From a new downtown ice cream shop to a coastal-inspired eatery from a prominent local restauranteur, see who’s opening their doors around Birmingham. Plus, find out which three businesses we’re saying goodbye to.
Open now
1. Milky Way Ice Cream Bar | Southside
Birmingham locals looking to satisfy their sweet tooth have a new option in Southside. Milky Way Ice Cream Bar officially opened its doors on June 22 in the former Wilson’s Hot and Sweet Café space next to Wilson’s Market.
Milky Way Ice Cream Bar is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Hussain-Ali Mithani, whose family owns and operates Wilson’s Market. The shop offers 21 different flavors of ice cream plus an assortment of smoothies, baked goods and even lassi.
- Address: 1405 15th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: 11AM-10PM daily
2. Something Hope-Filled | Leeds
Shopping for a good cause? Sign me up. Something Hope-Filled is now open in Leeds, with an inventory of classy, gently-used furniture at unbeatable prices.
Proceeds from this new shop fund a non-profit called Hope-Filled Rooms, an organization that provides housing for women who have been affected by sex trafficking and exploitation.
- Address: 8149 Parkway Dr, Leeds, AL 35094
- Hours: 10AM-4PM Thursday-Friday, 10AM-2PM Saturday
3. Children’s of Alabama | West Hueytown
Children’s of Alabama has opened a new pediatric clinic in West Jefferson County. The new 7,500-square-foot clinic will provide the services of five board-certified full-time pediatric doctors serving children from newborn to 18 years of age.
- Address: 2001 Old Warrior River Road, Hueytown 35023
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM | Saturday 8AM-Noon
Coming soon
4. Surf Hound | Mountain Brook Village
One of Birmingham’s most popular chefs is planning to open a coastal-inspired restaurant in Mountain Brook Village.
Abhi Sainju—the chef behind Abhi Eatery + Bar and MARO—will be opening his newest venture later this summer. The concept for Surf Hound is inspired by 1960-1970’s surf culture and coastal towns from around the world, featuring a menu of fresh-caught seafood, burgers and creative cocktails.
The restaurant will be located adjacent to Mountain Brook Creamery in the former home of Carrigan’s Public House, which closed in 2022.
- Address: 2400 Montevallo Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
- Opening: Late summer 2024
5. ALDI | Pinson + Bessemer
Since ALDI purchased Southeastern Grocers, the owners of Winn-Dixie, there has been some speculation about which stores will be converted to ALDIs. So far, two have been confirmed in the Birmingham area—the Winn Dixie locations in Pinson on Center Point Road and in Bessemer on Morgan Road.
- Address: Pinson 4701 Center Point Road, Pinson, AL | Bessemer 2910 Morgan Rd, Suite 128, Bessemer, AL 35022
- Opening: Late 2024
Closing
6. The Fresh Market | Inverness Corners
As a life-long 280-dweller, this one hits home. The Fresh Market in Inverness Village, which opened twenty years ago in 2004, will be closing in August.
Its departure leaves the Birmingham metro area with only one Fresh Market, located near the Brookwood Mall in Homewood.
7. Beehive Baking Co. | Irondale
An award-winning bakery in Irondale has officially closed.
After almost a decade in business, Beehive Baking Company owners Caeden and Sarah have made the decision to close and focus on their journey as parents of a newborn.
8. Rib-it-up | Downtown Birmingham
Popular barbecue joint Rib-It-Up is closing its doors permanently, according to a post on its social media pages on Friday, July 12.
“After 32 incredible years of serving our cherished community, Rib-It-Up is closing its doors. This decision comes as a result of the evolving economic landscape and the challenges we have faced in hiring additional staff.
As we look back on these wonderful years, we choose to celebrate the countless moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness that we have experienced with you. Our dedicated staff, who have worked tirelessly to provide you with the best food and experience, deserve our heartfelt appreciation.
From a post on the Rib-It-Up Facebook page
Opened in 1992, Rib-It-Up was beloved for its delectable barbeque and soul food dishes.
- Address: 830 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Did we miss anything? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!
