7 businesses (+ 1 closure) coming to The Magic City
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It’s a new week in The Magic City, and that means a new roundup of businesses popping up across town.
From a new chicken joint in Pelham to a popular antique shop’s new home in Forest Park, here are seven businesses that should be on your radar. Plus, one local spot we’re saying farewell to.
Now Open
1. Waldo’s Chicken & Beer | Pelham
A new Waldo’s Chicken & Beer restaurant opened last week on Pelham Parkway, making it the third Waldo’s location in the Birmingham-Metro area and the fifth statewide.
Known for its juicy chicken tenders and sauces, Waldo’s also offers rotisserie chicken, sandwiches and a wide variety of beers and cocktails.
- Location: 2812 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124
- Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-9PM | Saturday-Sunday 10:30AM-9PM
2. Joy East Buffet | Trussville
Joy East Buffet has opened at The Pinnacle in Trussville.
Located at the former Red Robin space at 5029 Pinnacle Sq, the new buffet-style restaurant specializes in several traditional Asian-inspired dishes including hibachi, sushi, soups and dumplings.
- Location: 5029 Pinnacle Sq, Birmingham, AL 35235
- Hours: 11AM-10:30PM Daily
3. El Patron | Irondale
Irondale is bursting with new businesses, including a brand-new Tex-Mex restaurant in the Cahaba Crossing Center: El Patron. The Alabama chain has several restaurants throughout the state such as its locations on Highway 280 in Birmingham, Trussville and Gadsden.
El Patron serves everything you crave from American Mexican food, like nachos, burritos, enchiladas, tacos and more.
- Location: 1284 Grants Mill Rd, Irondale, AL 35210
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 11AM-10PM
- El Patron: Website | Facebook
Coming Soon
4. Revival Antiques | Forest Park
Revival Antiques, the vintage and home decor shop, is moving to a prominent retail location in the Forest Park neighborhood. The popular antique store is moving into the former MK Quinlan space on Clairmont Avenue.
- Location: 3900 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL 35222
5. Cassanova Restaurant & Bar | Lakeview
In 2021, former Auburn and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Cassanova McKinzy opened Cassanova Bar & Lounge on First Avenue North. In 2024, the business had a little rebranding. Now, it’s made its move to Lakeview in the former Half Shell Oyster House spot on 6th Avenue South.
Cassanova Restaurant & Bar will keep the same vibes we loved before, with fun new additions including a more elevated dining experience, R&B Thursdays and an expanded cocktail list.
- Location: 616 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
6. Battle Republic | Hoover
Battle Republic at The Summit is relocating to Stadium Trace Village this year. It will be located next to a new Urban Cookhouse—also coming soon to Stadium Trace this year—next to Hero Doughnuts and The Pants Store.
The Birmingham-based gym Battle Republic, founded in Homewood in 2019, is known for its unique boxing concept that combines the low-impact cardio burn of boxing with strength training.
- Location: 1013 Marble Ter, Hoover, AL 35244
7. De Nada Mexican Restaurant | Parkside
A new Mexican-inspired restaurant concept is coming soon to downtown Birmingham. Located in the entertainment destination of Urban Supply, De Nada is set to begin serving tacos, margaritas and more in early 2026.
De Nada is the second restaurant concept from the Martinez family, who have opened the traditional Mexican restaurant of Hacienda Mexican Grill in Indian Spring Village since 2004.
- Location: 1300 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Opening: Early 2026
Closing
8. Frutta Bowls | The Summit
Frutta Bowls is closing after seven years at The Summit.
The popular “superfood cafe” made the announcement on its Instagram page Saturday afternoon according to the post, the location will stay open until Sunday, August 24.
The closure of the Birmingham location leaves the state of Alabama with only three remaining Frutta Bowl spots in Prattville, Alexander City and Auburn.
- Location: 225 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243
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