4 new openings + 4 closures in Birmingham, including a new downtown bourbon bar

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Sloans
Sloan’s on 2nd Ave N. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

September was full of exciting new businesses in The Magic City, and we can’t wait to see what October brings.

From a new bourbon bar in the heart of downtown to a unique new sports bar coming soon to Homewood, check out these new businesses around Birmingham.

Plus, join us in saying goodbye to four local businesses we’re sad to see go.

Now Open

1. Sloan’s | 2nd Ave N

Sloan’s, a new cocktail bar specializing in an elevated bourbon experience, officially opened its doors on 2nd Ave N on Tuesday, September 24.

Founded by the team behind Bistro 218 and Bocca Ristoriante, Sloan’s is a new establishment where both connoisseurs and casual drinkers can explore the rich world of bourbon in a refined, welcoming atmosphere.

(Psssst… Get an exclusive tour of Sloan’s with Bham Now on Instagram)

2. Speedway Travel Center | Finley Blvd 

travel center
New Speedway has opened on Finley Blvd. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

A new all-purpose travel center opened earlier this month at the busy Finley Boulevard exit off I-65 in Birmingham.

Speedway, one of the nation’s largest convenience store chains, is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Coming soon

3. Do Not Disturb | Homewood

sports bar
Do Not Disturb Sports bar is coming to Homewood. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

The Birmingham restaurateurs behind NOLA Ice-Broad St Peaux Boys at the Pizitz Food Hall are opening a new sports bar in Homewood.

Kelli Caulfield and London Jackson plan to open Do Not Disturb, an elevated sports bar located just off Lakeshore Parkway near Lowe’s. The new space will be the perfect place to sit back and watch games, have a beer or cocktail and enjoy creative dishes.

4. JP Morgan Chase & Co. | Lane Parke

Future JP Morgan location
Coming soon to Lane Parke. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

The largest bank in the country is planning to open a new branch in Mountain Brook next year.

Chase Bank, the consumer and commercial division of JP Morgan Chase & Co., will be constructing a new location in the heart of the Lane Parke development. The site is the former home of local real estate firm Ray & Poynor, whose building caught fire overnight and suffered catastrophic damage in 2022.

Closed / closing

5. Red Robin | Trussville 

Red Robin
Red Robin closed at The Pinnacle in Trussville. (Patience Itson / Bham Now)

Red Robin permanently closed their The Pinnacle location in Trussville.

Known for its gourmet burgers and bottomless fries, the departure of the Birmingham location leaves the Red Robin with only two remaining restaurants in Alabama–Montgomery and Huntsville.

6. Wild Roast Cafe | Hoover 

Wild Roast
Caramel Crunch at Wild Roast Cafe. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Wild Roast Cafe in Hoover is closing its doors after nearly 6 years, according to social media posts from the cafe.

Named Hoover’s Best Coffee in 2023, Wild Roast specializes in craft lattes, scrumptious breakfast bites and lunch options. Go grab a coffee before they’re gone for good!

7. Ghost Train Brewing Co. | Avondale

Ghost Train
Pour one out for a fan-favorite local brewery. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Ghost Train Brewing Companyβ€”a local brewery and Birmingham favorite founded in 2014β€”has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and shutting its doors permanently.

The longtime brewery is responsible for iconic local craft beers like the Kaleidoscope Kettle Sour, the Gulf Coast IPA and the Allurium Double IPA.

8. Urban Smoke Bar & Grill | Fairfield

Urban Smoke Bar & Grill
Urban Smoke will surely be missed in Fairfield. (Jordyn Davis / Bham Now)

Urban Smoke Bar & Grill has closed its location in Fairfield.

However, this may not be the end for Urban Smoke. Owner Draper Mason is on the lookout for a new space to reopen the popular eatery and sports hangout in the future.

Catch up on recent openings

Did we miss anything? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!

Grace Howard
Grace Howard
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