New Joyland restaurant opening in Avondale on August 15

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Joyland
Joyland, a new restaurant in Avondale by Chef Sean Brock and Birmingham restauranteur Nick Pihakis. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Joyland—the highly-anticipated Nashville fast-casual concept moving into the former Rodney Scott BBQ and Bottletree spot in Avondale—is opening on August 15.

Read on to learn more about this exciting addition to the Birmingham food scene.

Joyland’s mural and food

mural
Joyland mural in Avondale. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Created by James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock in 2020, Joyland is inspired by the aesthetics and experience of early fast-food restaurants.

Chef Brock has teamed up with Birmingham restauranteur Nick Pihakis, owner of the local Pihakis Restaurant Group, to bring Joyland to The Magic City.

If you’ve passed by 3719 Third Ave. South location lately, you may have noticed the signage and a bright, sunny mural created by local artist Marcus Fetch.

Joyland in Birmingham
Joyland, a new restaurant in Avondale by Chef Sean Brock and legendary Birmingham restauranteur Nick Pihakis. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

All that’s left is to visit for a meal.

What kind of items are on the menu? Here is a mouthwatering sample:

  • The Crustburger, with onion, American cheese and a side of Fancy Sauce
  • Fried Chicken Sandwich with Joy Sauce, pickle slaw and mayonnaise
  • Joyburger Deluxe, with Bear Creek Private Label Beef, Joy Sauce, pickles, onions and American cheese

Welcome to the neighborhood, Joyland!

What’s next in Avondale

Black Market Bar & Grill in Avondale
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

There are a lot of new restaurants that have announced plans to locate in Avondale this year. 

For example, in late July, Bham Now gave our readers a sneak peek of the new Black Market Bar + Grill, and a new pizza joint—Miracle Pizza Co.—recently opened up in the former Post Office Pies spot.

Below are stories about two more spots that were announced in January and February 2024.

Excited to see Joyland come to Avondale? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know your thoughts!

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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