8 new businesses + 1 closure in Birmingham this week
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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 African and Jamaican restaurant to a new pet spa, here are eight businesses that should be on your radar. Plus, one long-time business saying farewell.
Now Open
1. Splash & Dash | Vestavia Hills
Last fall, we let you know that Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique was coming to Vestavia Hills. Now, Splash and Dash is open and ready to welcome you and your furry friend!
Martin and Kayla Briggs, owners of Splash and Dash Vestavia Hills, are longtime residents of Cahaba Heights with nearly 20 years of franchise experience.
The couple is eager to bring trusted grooming care to the Greater Birmingham community with full-service grooming, fully-stocked boutique, dog treats galore, and even early drop-off and late pick-up upon request.
- Address: 1056 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 1064, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | 205.480.5450
2. The Village Bar & Grill | West Birmingham
The Village Bar & Grill, a new restaurant for authentic African and Jamaican cuisine, is now open with a delicious menu with offerings ranging from goat and oxtail to okra.
The menu features African favorites like jollof rice, egusi and fufu, and oxtail stew. The Village also serves genuine Jamaican drinks, such as Kola Champagne, ginger beer, pineapple soda, Ting and coconut water.
- Address: 873 Dennison Ave. SW, Suite 121
- Hours: Thursday 11AM-8PM, Friday + Saturday 11AM-10PM, Sunday 1-8PM, nightlife Friday + Saturday 9PM-2AM
- The Village Bar and Grill: 205-267-0043 | Facebook
3. 205 Wings | Avondale
Avondale has a brand new spot for wings! Located on 1st Ave N, 205 Wings takes the places of one of Birmingham’s former Rally’s locations that closed in 2019.
Its menu includes whole wings, chicken tenders, pork plates, salads, quesadillas, sandwiches and more.
- Address: 4030 1st Ave. North
- Hours: 10AM-10PM every day
- 205 Wings: 205-202-3709 | Instagram | Facebook
Coming Soon
4. Vocelli Pizza | Valleydale
Vocelli Pizza may have left their Greystone location behind at the end of last year, but it will soon be opening in a brand-new spot on Caldwell Mill Road in the Valleydale Village Shopping Center.
Vocelli has been a go-to spot for pizza lovers around Birmingham for years, with another location conveniently located near UAB.
Originally “Pizza Outlet” in 1988, the franchise rebranded as Vocelli Pizza in 2002 and now has more than 80 locations world-wide, with even more on the way.
- Address: 5192 Caldwell Mill Rd, Hoover, AL 35244
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Foo Hai | Homewood
A new Chinese restaurant is coming soon to downtown Homewood! Two years after it was first announced by Atlanta-based Chinese restaurant Urban Hai, Foo Hai Handmade Noodles & Dumplings is set to open its doors in Homewood this spring.
In 2024, Urban Hai announced plans to open two new locations in the Birmingham area: one at the Denham Building in Parkside and one at the Aloft Birmingham Soho Square in Homewood. According to a recent report by CBS42, representatives with Urban Hai confirmed that the new Foo Hai is set to open sometime in March or April 2026.
- Address: 1903 29th Ave S ste 101
6. LillieKat Rugs | Pepper Place
A business based out of Pepper Place is transforming its previously appointment-only showroom into a storefront.
LillieKat Rugs, an heirloom-quality rug boutique, has held studio space at Pepper Place since December 2019, allowing the store to cater to in-person customers in addition to its sizable online clientele.
Formerly housing Yellowhammer Creative, LillieKat is jumping on the opportunity for an open-to-the-public storefront next to Design Supply. While construction is underway, folks can still shop LillieKat’s collection online or browse select pieces in Pepper Place shops Odette and Design Supply.
- Address: 2821 2nd Ave S
- LillieKat Rugs: 205-535-3090 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
7. ForgeFlex | Chelsea
A new “flex venture” space is coming to Chelsea—built for busy, growing businesses of all areas and the customers they serve.
ForgeFlex was born out of the idea to “bridge the gap between garage startups and warehouse space,” noting that growing businesses need warehouse space to operate, office space to manage and a storefront for customer growth.
The $3-4 million development will boast 40 suites, ranging from 600 to 1,600 square feet.
8. Vuori | The Summit
A popular athleisure brand is making its way to The Summit.
Vuori, known for its performance-meets-lifestyle apparel, is set to open in the former Frutta Bowls space this Friday, March 13.
Closing + Closed
9. Standard Furniture | Downtown Birmingham
After over a century in Birmingham, Birmingham-based Standard Furniture is closing its downtown showroom at 2016-2020 3rd Avenue North. Although the family-owned retailer is leaving downtown Birmingham, Standard Furniture operates an additional 12 locations in Alabama and Tennessee.
Founded in 1912, Standard Furniture is one of the longest-running family-owned stores in downtown Birmingham.
