7 openings + 2 closures in the Birmingham area, including a new cocktail + dessert bar

It’s a new week in The Magic City, and that means a new roundup of businesses popping up across town. 

From a unique new cocktail bar downtown to an exciting Italian restaurant coming to Lane Parke, here are seven businesses that should be on your radar. Plus, two locals spot we’re saying farewell to.

Now Open

1. Ampersand Cocktails & Desserts | Downtown Birmingham

Last Friday, July 3, Birmingham’s first dessert bar—Ampersand Cocktails & Desserts—celebrated its grand opening. As Birmingham’s first dedicated dessert bar, Ampersand Cocktails & Desserts specializes in high-end, alcohol-infused desserts and equally-as-sweet cocktails.

In addition to traditional craft cocktails, Ampersand will serve seasonally-rotating drinks and signature cocktails.

• Location: 103 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 4PM to close

2. The Yard Gym | Downtown Birmingham

The Yard Gym, a rigorous hybrid gym, has officially opened its doors in Birmingham between the UAB and the VA Medical Center.

Founded by Australian couple Tiarne and Daniel Bova, the gym focuses on both individual and group performances, exclusive personal trainers and unlimited fitness classes.

• Location: 711 22nd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

3. OsteoStrong | Hoover

Global bone and joint wellness franchise OsteoStrong is expanding with a new Birmingham-area location. The Hoover location is the second for owners Matthew and Ashley Laird, who also operate OsteoStrong Cahaba River near Patchwork Farms Shopping Center.

OsteoStrong is one of several new businesses in Hoover’s fast-growing Knox Square Development.

• Location: 5884 Elsie Rd Hoover AL 35244
• Hours: Monday 7:30AM-Noon | Tuesday-Wednesday 8AM-2PM | Thursday 8AM-6PM
• Phone: 205.593.4214

Coming Soon

4. Toasted Yolk | Downtown Birmingham

The Toasted Yolk Cafe—a popular breakfast, brunch and lunch spot founded in Houston, Texas—is gearing up to open its third Alabama location here in The Magic City. Located at the 20 Midtown development, the new Toasted Yolk Cafe is set to open on Monday, July 14.

• The Toasted Yolk Cafe: 205.202.4400 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
• Address: 231 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours (Starting July 14): Open daily from 7AM—3PM 

5. Kung Fu Tea | Tattersall Park

A new boba tea spot is coming soon to the Birmingham area: Kung Fu Tea will be opening this month at Tattersall Park on Highway 280 and U.S. 119.

Kung Fu Tea is a bubble tea chain known for its wide variety of customizable tea drinks including classic milk tea, fruit tea, matcha and more.

• Location: 6215 Tattersall Blvd, Meadowbrook, AL 35242
• Opening: July 10

6. Locanda Brasato | Lane Parke

A new Italian dining spot cooked up by the team behind Birmingham’s Lé Fresca is on its way to Lane Parke.

The restaurant, Locanda Brasato, will open in the fall in the former Post Office Pies space. Chef Duaine Clements and Marco Butturini, the duo behind Lé Fresca, have made it their goal to craft a new eatery that serves thoughtful, handcrafted cuisine with deeply personal hospitality. 

• Location: 270 Rele St, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
• Opening: TBD

7. Wild Birds Unlimited | Highway 280

Wild Birds Unlimited, a favorite among birding enthusiasts, is expanding with a second location in Birmingham. Once open, the store will offer a wide selection of high-quality birdseed and suet blends, bird feeders, birdhouses and nature-themed gifts. 

• Location: 6215 Tattersall Boulevard
• Opening: TBD
• Instagram | Facebook | Website

Closing

8. Red Bird Produce | Avondale

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.

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.

9. Uproot Brewing | Downtown Birmingham

After two years in the Magic City, Uproot Brewing is closing its physical space on 3rd Avenue S, according to a notice shared to the local brewery’s social media pages. Per the notice, the brewery will be closing its physical space effective Sunday, July 6.

Luckily, Uproot’s beers aren’t going anywhere. According to the post, Darnell plans to contract production of Uproot Brewing’s brews with another local brewery.

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