5 new openings + 2 closures in the Birmingham area

As a new month kicks off in The Magic City, there are all kinds of new businesses gearing up to open their doors.

From a new coffee shop in one historic Birmingham building to an exciting seafood restaurant from an award-winning chef, here’s everything you need to know about what’s new and coming soon.

Plus, join us in saying farewell (for now) to two local businesses.

Now Open

1. Ono Poké | Hoover

With locations in Edgewood, The Pizitz and The Summit, Ono Poké is now bringing its Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls to Stadium Trace Village in Hoover.

Owned by Chef Vinh Tran, Ono Poké is known for its fully-customizable bowls featuring ingredients like spicy tuna, avocado, tofu and edamame.

• Stadium Trace location: 5225 Peridot Pl #101, Hoover, AL 35244
• Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM | Sun 11AM-8PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Ella’s on Main | Trussville

A new boutique is now open in Trussville’s entertainment district. Located on Main Street, Ella’s on Main offers select collections of stylish furniture, home decor and unique treasures.

• Location: 211 Main St, Trussville, AL 35173
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Alicia’s Coffee | A.G. Gaston Motel

Founded by Naimah Alicia Elmore and Rashad Harrell, Alicia’s Coffee has officially opened its new location at the historic A.G. Gaston Motel.

Built in 1954 by legendary Black entrepreneur A.G. Gaston, the motel became a key meeting place during the Civil Rights Movement. Thanks to funding from the City of Birmingham and the Mellon Foundation, the motel recently underwent a significant restoration with Alicia’s Coffee as its newest tenant.

• Location: 1510 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: 7AM-4PM Daily

Coming Soon

4. Cha House | Avondale

Founded in 2022, Cha House is a unique local tea house experience offering a special way to engage with other members of the Birmingham community while enjoying a delectable cup of tea.

Since its inception, owner Cierra Lober has hosted Cha House popups at spaces like Gaia Florals. Now, Cha House is opening a permanent location inside locally-sourced grocery store Red Bird Produce in Avondale.

Starting March 8, Cha House will be open Friday through Sunday.

• Location: 131 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Opening: Saturday, March 8

5. Bayonet | Downtown Birmingham

James Beard award-winning chef Rob McDaniel is gearing up to open a new restaurant, Bayonet.

Located next to McDaniel’s highly-lauded restaurant, Helen, Bayonet is a seafood-focused concept featuring a raw bar and cocktail bar. Bayonet has an upscale, beachside feel, highlighting simple delicacies like caviar, oysters, mussels and other sea-dwelling critters.

• Location: 2015 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Opening: Monday, March 10

Closing

6. The Marble Ring | Avondale

Popular local speakeasy The Marble Ring is temporarily closed to perform renovations, according to a notice on the entrance. The establishment aims to reopen in mid-March.

• Location: 430 41st St S suite b, Birmingham, AL 35222
• The Marble Ring: Website | Instagram

7. Slice Pizza & Brew | Montevallo

Local pizza joint Slice Pizza & Brew has closed its Montevallo location, according to a recent announcement on the business’s social media.

Although Slice has said goodbye to its home in Montevallo, there are four remaining locations throughout Birmingham:

• Lakeview: 725 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Vestavia: 3104 Timberlake Dr, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
• Crestline: 1101 Dunston Ave, Birmingham, AL 35213
• Homewood: 1010 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209

What did we miss? Tag us @bhamnow + let us know!