5 new + coming soon businesses in the Birmingham area, including the return of a familiar name

Happy Monday, Birmingham!

October has brought all kinds of exciting new businesses and projects to The Magic City. From a new neighborhood restaurant coming to downtown Birmingham to a familiar face returning to Woodlawn, check out everything new and coming soon in town.

Plus, join us in saying goodbye to one Highway 280 restaurant.

Now Open

1. Academy Sports + Outdoors | Highway 280

Academy Sports + Outdoors has officially opened at River Ridge Shopping Center on Highway 280.

The popular sporting goods store returns to the Highway 280 corridor after a five-year hiatus. Its new location is the former home of Best Buy, next to World Market and Saigon Noodle House.

• Location: 4610 US Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9AM-9PM | Friday 9AM-10PM | Saturday 8AM-10PM

Coming Soon

2. Slutty Vegan | Woodlawn

A familiar name is making its return to Woodlawn– Slutty Vegan is reopening after closing temporarily this summer.

Named one of the best vegan fast food chains in the U.S. by Far and Wide, the restaurant is reopening on October 17 with a grand opening celebration on October 19.

The revival of Slutty Vegan is part of a revitalization project by REV Birmingham including several anchor businesses in Woodlawn.

• Location: 7 55th Pl S, Birmingham, AL 35212
• Opening: October 17

3. Armour House | Downtown Birmingham

Armour House, a new neighborhood restaurant coming to downtown Birmingham, is slated to open on Friday, November 8.

Located on 1st Ave N, the restaurant is led by Executive Chef Jeffrey Compton and local entrepreneurs Rollins Montgomery and Chris Reebals. The trio plan to introduce brasserie-inspired fare, including open-fire grilled steaks and fresh raw bar offerings.

• Location: 2309 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Opening: November 8

4. Yo’ Mama’s | 4th Ave N

The new and improved Yo’ Mama’s restaurant location on 4th Ave N is gearing up to open soon.

Back in May 2023, the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved a measure to redevelop the city-owned retail space at Parking Deck #3 on 4th Ave—which had been vacant for nearly two decades—to relocate Yo’ Mama’s.

The new space is bigger and better, increasing the restaurant’s seating capacity from 36 to 100. In addition to expanded dining and parking, the newly relocated Yo’ Mama’s will have private meeting space seating up to 30 people.

• Location: 1801 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Opening: Late 2024

Closed + closing

5. Saltgrass Steak House | Highway 280

Saltgrass Steak House on Highway 280 has permanently closed.

Located next to Surin 280, the restaurant has shut its doors after six years in operation.

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