7 openings (+ 2 closings) in Birmingham this week, including a new fusion restaurant

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

From a Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant on 2nd Ave North to an exciting new party bus rolling through the city, here are seven businesses to have on your radar. Plus, two local spots we’re saying farewell to.

Now open 

1. Johin’na | 2nd Ave North, Birmingham

Birmingham’s food scene just got more exciting with the opening of Johin’na (jo-heen-na), a Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant and lounge located at 2002 2nd Ave North.

The new spot offers an upscale Asian-cuisine dining option featuring sleek, modern vibes and a mouth-watering menu featuring items like collard green gyoza with sweet tea soy sauce. 

Check out what we ordered during our visit. 

• Location: 2002 2nd Ave. N.
  • Lunch hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 11AM-1PM (Brunch served on Sundays)
  • Dinner hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5PM-10PM | Friday-Saturday 5-11PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook 

2. Sherita’s – A Different Taste | Pleasant Grove

Sherita’s – A Different Taste opened on July 25 in Pleasant Grove. 

What’s on the menu? You can expect: 

• Classic burgers + wings
• Philly steak sandwiches 
• Fish sandwiches
• Barbecue ribs
• Pork chops
• Chicken tenders

Plus sides, like okra and Cajun fries.

Sherita’s is the second restaurant to open up in Pleasant Grove in the past three months. In May, a new soul food joint called Thelma’s Place was launched.

You can find Sherita’s adjacent to Union Bank, near Olipita Mediterranean & American Grill.

• Location: 833 Park Rd, Pleasant Grove
• Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30AM-8PM | Friday-Saturday 10:30AM-9PM

3. Bib & Tucker Sew-Op | Birmingham

After 10 years in business, Bib & Tucker Sew-Op continues to be a place for people of all skill levels to explore the craft of sewing. Now, the nonprofit has settled into a new, larger location in the Crestwood Festival Shopping Center. 

Learn more about the store, upcoming classes and how you can become part of their tight knit sewing community. 

• Location: 7001 Crestwood Blvd, Ste 806
• Hours: Tuesday 10:30AM-1PM | Thursday + Saturday 10AM-2PM
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

Coming soon 

4. The Pull-Up Bham—party bus | Birmingham

A new party bus—The Pull-Up Bham is about to hit the streets in Birmingham. Hitting the gas pedal in mid-August or September, the bus will bring high-energy vibes, neon lights and a one-of-a-kind mobile entertainment experience to the Magic City.

Here are some reasons you’ll want to book it:

• Bar + club hopping
• Bachelor + bachelorette parties
• City tours
• And more!

• Facebook

5. Abercrombie & Fitch | The Summit, Birmingham

Abercrombie & Fitch is making a comeback! The popular lifestyle clothing brand is setting up shop at The Summit, with doors expected to open this fall.

The brand, known for its modern take on casual essentials, once had a location at Riverchase Galleria, but that store closed several years ago.

You’ll find the coming-soon store next to Chuy’s.

6. Foosackly’s | Hoover

There’s good news for fast food fans. Foosackly’s—the popular chicken restaurant headquartered in Mobile—recently closed on a new site in Hoover, marking the restaurant chain’s first location in the Birmingham metro.

While we don’t have an exact date when construction will begin or when doors will open, we do know that a company associated with the eatery was purchased a lot at 5552 Grove Boulevard in The Grove shopping center, according to the Birmingham Business Journal.

• Location: 5552 Grove Boulevard, Hoover
• Hours: Coming soon
• Website | Facebook | Instagram 

7. Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar | Hoover

Hoover, get ready to tee up. Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar opens Tuesday, August 5. Locally owned and operated, the new entertainment spot features fun for all ages. 

Expect games like Duckpin bowling and shuffleboard, plus a 360° full-service bar featuring a craft cocktail menu, beer, wine and seasonal specials.

• Location: 5844 Elsie Rd Hoover, AL 35244
• Hours: 
  • Monday-Thursday 10AM-11PM
  • Friday-Saturday 10AM-Midnight
  • Sunday 10AM-11AM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Closings

8. Art Alley | Homewood

After 25 years of showcasing creativity and community, Homewood’s Art Alley will officially close its doors on September 20.

Located in the historic Edgewood district of Homewood and known for its curated selection of Southeastern regional art with global influences, the gallery has built a reputation as a small space with big creative talent.

There’s still time to visit. Now until the space closes, the gallery will have its first-ever sale with paintings starting at 20% off.

9. Taco Mama | Downtown Birmingham/UAB

After eight years serving up tasty tacos, build-your-own bowls, margaritas and more, Birmingham-based Taco Mama closed its UAB location on 7th Avenue South on Saturday, August 2.

The popular Birmingham-based Tex-Mex restaurant chain posted a note about its departure at the entrance of its establishment at
707 Richard Arrington Blvd. S, Ste. 103.

Here is an excerpt from the restaurant’s announcement:

“This is not a decision we make lightly. Our hearts are full of gratitude for our incredible team and guests who have made this place so special. While this location is saying goodbye, we can’t wait to welcome you into our other Birmingham locations to keep the good times rolling.

With love and appreciation, Team Taco.”

There are eight Taco Mama restaurants remaining in the Birmingham metro area.

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