Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Locally-owned grocery in Avondale closing mid-July
Reading time: 3 minutes
On Monday, June 30, owner and founder Casey Hobbs announced that his locally-sourced grocery store—Red Bird Produce—will be closing effective Saturday, July 12.
Red Bird Produce closing in Avondale
Launched in November 2023, Red Bird Produce is a small, locally-sourced grocery store founded by West Coast transplant Casey Hobbs. Hobbs was inspired by the exotic and unusual produce he’d find at small markets in Seattle and wanted to offer a consistent option for people to get quality, local produce at an affordable price in Birmingham.
During its 18-month run, Red Bird Produce worked with over two dozen local farmers—like Southard Farms, Ivy & Rain, Ireland Farms, Mattie’s Garden and more—as well as local coffee roasters, artists and other makers to offer fresh produce and local products to customers. Local tea house Cha House even opened a brick & mortar space inside Red Bird Produce earlier this year.
Unfortunately, Casey made the difficult decision to close Red Bird Produce and announced the news on the store’s Instagram account, @redbirdbham.
“Friends, I have some sad news to share. Effective July 12th, Red Bird Produce will be out of business. Of course this decision was not made easily and I’ve fought hard, lost sleep, sacrificed family time and resources and expended every ounce of creative energy I have to change the outcome.
Along the past 18 months, we’ve brought good food to Avondale by supporting our local farmers. That was always our goal and I am damned proud to say we’ve worked with over two dozen farmers and just about as many coffee roasters, artists and other local makers. And one baker, @banditbham. Kristin and Lacy, you’re the real ones.”
Casey Hobbs in a post on Red Bird Produce’s Instagram
In the post, Casey urged fans of Red Bird Produce to support Cha House and Veggie Fiend as they continue to bring community and good food to Avondale by supporting local farms.
Visit Red Bird Produce before it closes
- Red Bird Produce: Website | Email | Instagram
- Address: 131 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Although Red Bird Produce is winding down operations, there is still time to visit and purchase its quality products from local suppliers. From now until Saturday, July 12, Red Bird Produce will be open:
- From 7AM to 3PM, Tuesday-Friday
- From 8AM to 3PM, Saturday and Sunday
What was your favorite local produce to buy at Red Bird? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
