ZOZO's Kitchen (Nathan Watson / Bham Now) — Zozo’s Kitchen owner John Cassimus in his new flagship restaurant. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Earlier this week, the Cassimus family—the founders of Zoë’s Kitchen—announced their plans to open a new independent, family-owned restaurant venture here in the Birmingham metro dubbed Zozo’s Kitchen.

We paid a visit to the new Zozo’s Kitchen in Homewood to learn more.

Zozo’s Kitchen: New name. New venture. Same family.

In 1995, Marcus and Zoë Cassimus opened the original Zoë’s Kitchen in downtown Birmingham, eventually moving the restaurant to the SoHo development in Homewood. The Greek-inspired fast casual brand was a hit, expanding throughout the Birmingham metro and eventually growing to 300+ restaurants throughout the United States.

Today, the Cassimus family embarked on a new chapter by opening Zozo’s Kitchen, an independently-owned venture focused on the beloved food and atmosphere that the Cassimus family is known for.

“This is something that’s been a long time in the making. When we decided to rebrand, we wanted a name that was a family name. Zozo is a fun nickname that represents the legacy of my mom and dad—honoring them, their culture and their love for great food.”
John Cassiumus, Zozo’s Kitchen

The Cassimus family has rebranded its restaurants in Cahaba Heights (formerly Marky’s Kitchen) and Tuscaloosa (formerly Zoë’s & Marky’s Kitchen) as Zozo’s Kitchen locations. The third and flagship Zozo’s Kitchen is located at 1830 29th Ave South Suite 115, in the space used by Zoë’s Kitchen for 17 years.

For Cassimus, opening Zozo’s in Homewood is a full-circle moment that connects the new brand to where it all began.

“Zoe’s Kitchen opened right here in 1995. This is home for me. My parents live just over the hill, and it’s incredible to launch a new concept here, where it all started.”
John Cassiumus, Zozo’s Kitchen

What’s on the menu at Zozo’s Kitchen?

Longtime fans of the Cassimus family’s restaurants will feel right at home at Zozo’s Kitchen.

“It’s kind of southern, with Mediterranean flair. Everything’s grilled—typically nothing fried—and the food is addictive. We have diners that will come in three to four times a week, which is a testament to what we do and how we do it.”
John Cassiumus, Zozo’s Kitchen

While the famous chicken salad is always a hit, Cassimus recommends first-timers try the Chicken Roll-Up—chicken rolled on a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, grilled onions and feta cheese served with salsa or Zozo sauce. Beyond dine-in options, Zozo’s Kitchen also offers online ordering and catering for folks on the go.

“Our meals-to-go are huge and they serve five to seven people, averaging about $75. The ribeye dinner is one of our favorites—two pounds of high-quality meat, sides, salad and pita bread.”
John Cassiumus, Zozo’s Kitchen

What’s next for Zozo’s Kitchen?

According to John Cassimus, Zozo’s Kitchen is working to open a new location in Hoover next year and eventually aims to open additional locations in new parts of the state. But for now, the Cassimus family is focused on serving up fresh, authentic food to its loyal customers—like Ricky Bromberg, who waited outside the new Zozo’s Kitchen to be its first patron.

“I was there on the first day of Zoë’s Kitchen when it opened in downtown Birmingham, and I was the first customer when Zoë’s reincarnated in Crestline. And when Marky’s opening in Cahaba Heights, I was the first customer there, too. I figured I’d keep my streak alive!”
Ricky Bromberg, President, Bromberg’s

Want to check out Zozo’s Kitchen for yourself? Follow the new brand on Instagram and visit one of their three new locations: