IMG 4714 edited scaled Johin’na owner to open Obsidian, new upscale cocktail lounge in downtown Birmingham — The lobby of Johin’na has a prominent light-up sign of the restaurant logo, two aquariums and Japanese parasols lining the ceiling. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

The entrepreneur behind one of Birmingham’s most talked-about new dining spots is already expanding her footprint. Shun Love, owner of the Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant Johin’na, has announced plans for a new upscale cocktail lounge called Obsidian.

According to the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ), the new venture will be located at 209 20th St. N., taking over the 3,500-square-foot space formerly occupied by The UPS Store.

Connecting the concepts

IMG 4725 Johin’na owner to open Obsidian, new upscale cocktail lounge in downtown Birmingham — The focal point of Johin’na is the Sakura Room, a massive light-up tree in the center of the dining room. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

Obsidian will be situated in the same building as Johin’na and will even be connected to the restaurant via an internal hallway. This proximity allows Love to draw from her existing customer base at Johin’na, which opened in August 2025 at The Frank building, while also attracting new foot traffic from 20th Street.

Johin’na is known for its immersive atmosphere, featuring themed rooms like the Sakura Room with its light-up cherry blossom tree and a menu boasting “Birmingham Rolls” and sweet tea soy sauce. Obsidian, on the other hand, will offer a different, high-end vibe, the BBJ said.

A “sexy” new addition to 20th Street

IMG 4707 Johin’na owner to open Obsidian, new upscale cocktail lounge in downtown Birmingham — Johin’na is located at 2002 2nd Ave. N. in The Frank. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

The renovation project is expected to cost approximately $1 million, the BBJ reports. A standout feature of the design is a covered outdoor patio spanning several hundred square feet at the entrance.

Love told the BBJ that the patio will be “warm and cozy” and described the intended aesthetic as “sexy.” Guests at Obsidian can expect:

A curated cocktail menu
Upscale sushi selections
Extensive indoor and outdoor seating options

Building generational wealth

The move to open a lounge is a strategic business decision. Love explained to the BBJ that bars and lounges typically offer higher profit margins due to lower overhead costs compared to full-service restaurants.

“I want to create generational wealth, so that’s what I’m doing,”
Shun Love to the BBJ

What’s next?

Love is currently finalizing specific project details before presenting them to the Birmingham City Council for official approval. If given the green light, the BBJ reports that demolition could begin as early as late May, with a goal to open Obsidian by Magic City Classic week in October 2026.

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