5 new businesses + 2 closures 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 the return of a Homewood favorite to a brand new restaurant and bar in Mountain Brook, here are six businesses that should be on your radar. Plus, two local businesses we’ll miss.
Now Open
1. Zozo’s Kitchen | Homewood
Last week, the Cassimus family—the founders of Zoë’s Kitchen—announced plans to open a new independent, family-owned restaurant venture dubbed Zozo’s Kitchen.
Now, 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 in downtown Homewood in the space used by Zoë’s Kitchen for 17 years.
Longtime fans of the Cassimus family’s restaurants will feel right at home at Zozo’s Kitchen—the menu features all of the favorites from roll-ups to chicken salad and more.
- Location: 1830 29th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Hours: 10AM-8PM Daily
2. Woody’s Food + Bar | Mountain Brook
There is a new hangout in Mountain Brook Village, and it’s all about great food, cold drinks and a classic “come as you are” atmosphere: Woody’s Food + Bar has officially opened its doors!
Owner Jason Parkman, a long-time Mountain Brook resident and restaurant industry veteran, wanted to create a space that feels like a community gathering space. Parkman is focusing on “good bar food” that is flavorful, fresh and fast—think burgers, quesadillas, sandwiches and tasty apps.
- Location: 2721 Cahaba Rd
- Hours:
- Tuesday–Friday: Opens at 4PM
- Saturday–Sunday: Opens at 11AM
- Kitchen Closing Times:
- Tuesday–Thursday: ~8:30PM
- Friday-Saturday: ~9PM
- Sunday: 8PM
3. Near Me Smoothies & Ice Cream | Hoover
A unique ice cream shop is now open in Hoover’s Knox Square. Near Me Smoothie & Ice Cream serves New Zealand–style ice cream made with real fruit and mix-ins of your choice blended right in front of you.
It also carries a viral foodie obsession: 3D Fruit Baskets—inside each container is an array of multicolored, vivid miniature fruits that look like plastic, but are actually fully-edible ice cream!
- Location: 5882 Elsie Rd, Hoover, AL 35244
- Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday 12PM-9PM
- Friday-Saturday 12PM-10PM
4. Salice | Homewood
In the midst of several Pihakis Restaurant Group closures, there is some good news: Luca Lagotto has rebranded to Salice and will remain open!
Luca Lagotto chef Rita Bernhardt, Little Donkey executive chef Joshua Gentry and developer Mike Mouron have formed an ownership group that will keep Luca and Little Donkey open in Homewood.
While not much else has been announced, we can confirm that Salice will still offer Luca’s beloved fries.
- Location: 1722 28th Ave. S
- Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday 11AM-9PM
- Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM
Coming Soon
5. The Palace | Trussville
The Palace, a beloved Chinese Restaurant in Trussville, is reopening in a new spot after closing a little more than a year ago. The eatery, which was a Trussville mainstay for 25 years, announced it is returning on May 15.
- Location: 5978 Chalkville Mountain Rd
- Opening: Friday, May 15
Closed + Closing
6. Rodney Scott’s BBQ | Homewood
As of Thursday, April 30, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, located at 2701 18th St S in Homewood, has “temporarily closed” according to a sign on the front door. The BBQ restaurant’s Homewood location is the third to close in recent weeks; the Rodney Scott’s in Trussville and at Valley Post are also listed as “temporarily closed.”
7. Hero Diner | Homewood
In addition, the last remaining Hero Diner at 1726 28th Ave S has closed its doors “until further notice.” Previously, Pihakis Restaurant Group operated nine Hero locations in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.
