7 new, coming soon + closed businesses in Birmingham—get a sneak peak of Miss Astrid’s Tavern in Cahaba Heights + more

Welcome to another week, Birmingham!

With giving season just around the corner, it’s a great time to show some support for our city’s local businesses. From an exciting new grocery store coming to Hoover to a locally-owned beer garden coming to Cahaba Heights, check out what’s new and coming soon to The Magic City.

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

Now Open

1. Dave’s Hot Chicken | Vestavia Hills

Dave’s Hot Chicken, one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in America with a cult-like following, opened in Vestavia Hills on November 8.

Known for its take on Nashville-style Hot Chicken, Dave’s has a short and sweet menu of chicken dishes, with heat levels ranging from “No Spice” to the eyewatering “Reaper.”

Located at the Vestavia City Center, it is the popular hot-chicken joint’s first location in Alabama.

• Address: 632 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
• Opening: Sunday-Thursday 11AM-11PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-12AM

Coming Soon

2. Trader Joe’s | Hoover

Last Friday, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato announced that there will be a new Trader Joe’s location coming soon to the area. The popular grocery store will be located in the former Bed Bath & Beyond on Montgomery Highway and Lorna Road.

The new store will be the Birmingham area’s second Trader Joe’s.

• Location: 1771 Montgomery Hwy., Hoover, AL 35244
• Opening: 2025

3. Goodwill | Liberty Park

As season of giving is approaching, it might be time for a closet clean-out before the holidays.

A new Goodwill donation center and store is opening tomorrow, November 12, in Liberty Park.

• Location: 4510 Overton Road, Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35210
• Opening: Tuesday, November 12

4. Miss Astrid’s Tavern | Cahaba Heights

A new restaurant and bar is coming soon to Cahaba Heights!

Miss Astrid’s Tavern, the brainchild of local culinary veteran Jessica Armstrong, will be a place to eat, drink and gather—”the country club experience, without having to pay the dues,” says Armstrong.

The space, a cozy little tavern on Cahaba Heights Road, plans to host charcuterie classes, wine dinners, bourbon dinners and more. Miss Astrid’s Tavern will be open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, with Brunch offered on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner service will be available Wednesday through Saturday.

• Location: 3160 Cahaba Heights Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
• Opening: End of 2024
• Miss Astrid’s Tavern: Email | Facebook

5. SWTHZ | Cahaba Heights

A new contrast therapy studio called SWTHZ, or SweatHouz, is coming soon to Cahaba Heights.

What does that mean, exactly? It’s a unique combination of infrared saunas and cold plunge tubs where guests can relax, rejuvenate and recharge. Moving between a high-heat sauna to a cold plunge can improve circulation, increase thermogenesis, boost metabolism and even boost energy and mood.

It also features a Vitamin C-infused shower, which boosts hydration.

• Location: 4317 Dolly Ridge Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
• Opening: 2025

Closed / Closing

6. Zydeco | Five Points South

Five Points’ longtime music venue and bar Zydeco has closed after 35 years. The closure, according to a recent Instagram post by Zydeco, is due to increased costs and upkeep on the 115-year-old Phoenix Club Building where the bar was located.

The bar is actively seeking a new home to relocate. In the meantime, it’s goodbye for now for one of our city’s most iconic venues.

7. Hillside Que | Vestavia Hills

Hillside Music & Que on Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills has closed.

According to the Vestavia Voice, the eatery also provided a local venue for live music shuttered in late October. Owner Skip Davis told the publication that the current economic climate made it difficult to run a family business.

Which business are you most excited to see in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!