28 new Birmingham businesses opened in 2026 so far

Reviewed by: Nathan Watson

Reading time: 15 minutes

LinkedIn
Edolyn's Pies (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Edolyn’s Pies in Glen Iris is now serving tasty, homemade pies and cakes, (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

New year, new businesses.

From highly anticipated restaurants to local shops and entertainment spots, Birmingham has already welcomed plenty of new openings in 2026. Here’s a look at a handful of businesses that have opened their doors so far this year.

1. High Dive | Lakeview

High Dive at Lakeview Marina
High Dive at Lakeview Marina
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Opened on New Year’s Eve, music lovers in Birmingham have a new place to congregate, enjoy food & drink designed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock and listen to high-fidelity sound. High Dive is a brand-new listening lounge located at Lakeview Marina, the large new development home to Seasick Records, Classic Cuts Barbershop and Cook Family Dentistry.

2. [solidcore] | The Summit

solidcore
Pilates at The Summit. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

New to The Summit this year is [solidcore], a high-intensity, low-impact full-body workout that focuses on strength training through muscle endurance rather than muscle hypertrophy. 

Compared to a standard gym workout that focuses on high weight and low repetition, the [solidcore] workout emphasizes slow, controlled movements with lower weight and a higher amount of repetitions. Each [solidcore] class utilizes a Pilates-inspired, custom-built solidcore reformer, although the workout changes from day to day.

3. Daysol Coffee Lab | Downtown Birmingham

Daysol Coffee Lab
Daysol Coffee (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

Daysol Coffee, owned by local roasters Bert Davis and Peter Solis, opened in January 2026 in the former site of Ghost Train and Uproot Brewing. If the name Daysol rings a bell, that might be because you’ve seen it at  Bluff Park Coffee Collective—a joint venture between two local small businesses, Daysol Coffee Lab and Good Neighbor Baking, located in Shades Mountain Plaza.

The cafe’s menu offers a variety of espresso drinks, house-made syrups, kombucha, pastries, matcha and other teas.

4. Schumacher | Pepper Place

Schumacher's new showroom at Pepper Place
Schumacher's new showroom at Pepper Place
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

An internationally-renowned design company now has a presence in Birmingham! Schumacher, the 137-year-old design house founded in New York City, opened its brand-new showroom in Pepper Place earlier this year.

Founded by Frederic Schumacher in New York City in 1889, Schumacher is a world-renowned design company known for its luxurious, high-end design resources. Still family-owned to this day, Schumacher works with designers and stocks a variety of upscale design products.

5. Von’s Ross Bridge | Hoover

people tossing their clear wine glasses
(Kelsey Knight on Unsplash)

Big news for wine lovers! A craft beer and specialty wine bar is now open at Ross Bridge in Hoover. Von’s Ross Bridge is “part wine bar, part bottle shop, all good times.” Founded by Brian and Jordan Von Hagel, Von’s features a wine shop and a bar all rolled into one—think wine, beer, snacks, board games and good conversation.

6. Locanda Brasato | Lane Parke

Locanda Brasato in Lane Parke. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Locanda Brasato in Lane Parke. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

The duo behind one of Birmingham’s favorite Italian restaurants have teamed up to bring a taste of authentic Italian cuisine to Mountain Brook. Duaine Clements and Marco Butturini, the co-owners of downtown Birmingham’s Lé Fresca, have officially opened Locanda Brasato in the former Post Office Pies space in Lane Parke.

At Locanda Brasato, it’s all about quality ingredients, technique and the process—making stocks, kneading dough, and simmering sauces the old-fashioned way. On the menu, guests will find a tight selection of antipasti (appetizers), pizza, primi (pasta), secondi (mains) and dolci (desserts).

7. Bayt Al-Qahwah | Green Springs

Elegant café with modern decor
Bayt Al-Qahwah is located next to Publix on Green Springs. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Bayt Al-Qahwah is a Yemini coffee shop offering up both traditional coffees in addition to some Yemen-inspired drinks including Saudi coffee, Yemeni tea and Red tea with mint. This cozy Middle Eastern café specializes in traditional Arabic coffee, tea drinks, desserts and pastries. They also carry unique treats, like the viral frozen fruit ice cream that’s been all over our feeds. 

8. Estelle Amor | Hueytown

(Blake Calhoun / Estelle Amore)
(Blake Calhoun / Estelle Amore)

One of Hueytown’s oldest structures is getting a new lease on life, thanks to local entrepreneur Estelle Straate. Estelle and her team have transformed the historic home into a charming, timeless storefront for her vintage wedding dress boutique, Estelle Amore.

Estelle has built her brand, Estelle Amore, into a one-stop shop for brides-to-be looking for an extraordinary vintage wedding dresses, featuring one-of-a-kind dresses from the 1980s all the way back to the 1940s.

9. Edolyn’s Pies | Glen Iris

Edolyn's Pies (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Edolyn’s Pies (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Edolyn’s Pies has been around for about a decade, from pop-ups at local markets to a brief kiosk at Pizitz, but now you’ll be able to shop their tasty homemade cakes and pies at a new brick-and-mortar shop.

Located in Glen Iris near UAB, Edolyn’s Pies offers flavors like red velvet, lemon blueberry chess and German chocolate.

10. 205 Wings | Avondale

Fast food restaurant with drive-thru
205 Wings is officially open for business in the place of Avondale’s former Rally’s location. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

Avondale has a brand new spot for wings! Located in Avondale, 205 Wings takes the places of one of Birmingham’s former Rally’s locations that closed in 2019. Its menu features whole wings, chicken tenders, pork plates, seafood plates and more.

11. Sakeroom | Five Points South

The Sakeroom. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
The Sakeroom. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
The Sakeroom. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

A new Japanese-inspired cocktail and sushi lounge is now open in Five Points South, offering premium sake, handcrafted cocktails and crave-worthy sushi in a “chic and moody atmosphere designed to feel both luxurious and rebellious.”

Located in Five Points South, Sakéroom is an intimate, Japanese-inspired cocktail and sushi lounge founded by Paige Depperschmidt, a local entrepreneur with a knack for crafting elevated experiences. Inside Sakéroom, Paige and her team have crafted a beverage program featuring Saké flights and several Japanese-inspired cocktails, from a delightful dessert Ube cocktail with house-infused Madagascar vanilla Ube to a unique spin on the classic lychee martini.

12. The Mustard Club | Pepper Place

the mustard club
(Mustard Club)

At long last, the sandwich shop planned to take the place of BLUEROOT in Pepper Place is now open for business. The Mustard Club features “a lunch-focused menu with thoughtful ingredients and a relaxed neighborhood feel,” the restaurant said.

While The Mustard Club serves a select few of menu items, the offerings are diverse and vibrant. Options include sandwiches, salads and small plates like pub fries and pimento cheese. Drinks include espresso, chai, and a selection of spritzes and wines.

  • Location: 2829 2nd Avenue South Suite 10
  • Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-4PM
  • The Mustard Club: Website | Instagram

13. Sea Bar | Lane Parke

(Little Betty Sea Bar)
(Little Betty Sea Bar)

Birmingham’s food scene just got even more exciting with the opening of Sea Bar—a new concept from Revival Restaurant Group, the Atlanta-based collective behind the adjacent Little Betty Steak Bar. 

The menu leans heavily into freshness, with seafood at the center and thoughtful nods to Japanese cuisine throughout. Sushi, nigiri and crispy rice appear alongside oysters and crudo, creating a lineup that feels both classic and contemporary.

14. Collected Bham | Downtown Birmingham

Atlanta-based Collected Vintage, owned by Leslie Tate and her partner, has spent the last year hosting pop-ups up across Birmingham coffee shops—Whammy, Daysol and Bandido to name a few—in a series called “Vintage and Coffee.”

With its new vintage clothing store, Collected Bham brings a much-needed retail presence to Birmingham’s already vibrant food and beverage culture. You can expect curated men’s, women’s and kids vintage clothing as well as buy, sell and trade options.

15. Raising Cane’s | Highway 280

raising cane's opening
Cane’s team members pose for a photo before welcoming the first customers to the store Tuesday, March 10. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

After many months of waiting, chicken-finger fans finally got their Raising Cane’s fix at the restaurant’s grand opening in March. This makes Alabama’s third Cane’s location and first in the Birmingham area. 

Some folks were in line for 14 to 16 hours, vying for “the one-of-a-kind gift basket” and a big welcome from the Cane’s crew. By the time the store opened at 10AM, there were hundreds of people waiting in line to order Cane’s.

  • Location: 5301 US-280
  • Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10AM-midnight, Friday-Saturday 10AM-1AM
  • Raising Cane’s Highway 280: 205-847-5359 | Website

16. De Nada | Parkside

De Nada (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
De Nada (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
De Nada (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

A fresh new dining experience that blends Birmingham roots with elevated Mexican cuisine is now open in Birmingham’s Parkside District. At De Nada, guests can expect a blend of familiar favorites and more refined, authentic dishes—and for Martinez, service is a top priority.

At De Nada, guests can expect a blend of familiar favorites and more refined, authentic dishes—think house-made tortillas prepared fresh daily, scratch-made chiles rellenos and handmade tamales. The beverage program follows suit with fresh margaritas, house-made sangria and a creative twist on an espresso martini inspired by a traditional Mexican drink, horchata.

17. Zozo’s Kitchen | Homewood

ZOZO's Kitchen (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
ZOZO’s Kitchen (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

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. Longtime fans of the Cassimus family’s restaurants will feel right at home at Zozo’s Kitchen—chicken roll-ups, greek salads and classic potato salad.

18. Little Luna Pizza | Bluff Park

A new restaurant is now open in Bluff Park! Little Luna Pizza, a takeout only pizzeria serving up high quality, New York inspired pizzas. Each pizza is made with cold-fermented dough, California grown tomatoes, aged mozzarella, and fresh meats and vegetables.

They’re baked in a high temperature stone oven for a thin, crisp and airy finish. Little Luna also offers a curated selection of fresh salads, creamy gelato, and delicious desserts.

19. Full Circle Doughnuts | Homewood

Hero Doughnuts 3 e1778181624609 28 new Birmingham businesses opened in 2026 so far

Fans of Wil Drake’s original Hero Doughnuts will be pleased to find that the spirit is alive and well with its new rebrand—Full Circle Doughnuts—which officially opened May 14.

Full Circle is serving a familiar menu of fan-favorites, including its famous brioche doughnuts, Domestique coffee and a variety of breakfast and lunch options including kolaches, breakfast burritos and sandwiches. We’re big fans of the frozen lemonade.

20. Remnant Coffee | Leeds

Person standing in cafe.
Remnant Coffee owner Jordan Parkman celebrates the brick and mortar opening of his new coffee shop. (Remnant Coffee)

Remnant Coffee celebrated its grand opening in Leeds earlier this Spring. Owned by Jordan Parkman, the cozy new café serves drip coffee, espresso drinks and a menu of craft coffees including a caramelized brown sugar latte and chocolate orange mocha. 

21. Bandida Bowls | Five Points South

Bandida Bowls (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Bandida Bowls (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Bandida Bowls (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

A new açaí bowl concept with a Latin influence is now open in Five Points South! Located in Five Points Lane, Bandida Bowls & Sips offers Latin-inspired yogurts, dirty sodas and specialty açaí bowls.

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, refreshing snack to pair with your morning pick-me-up from Bandido Coffee, you don’t have to walk far to visit Bandida Bowls & Sips. Located in the Five Points Lane alley, Bandida Bowls & Sips is a new concept owned by Stephany Chavez, sister of Bandido Coffee owner Raul Chavez.

22. Bandido Brunch & Social | Five Points South

Bandido Brunch & Social. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Bandido Brunch & Social. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Bandido Brunch & Social. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

A little over two years since Raul Chavez announced plans for Bandido Coffee and Bandida Bowls, the local entrepreneur is back with a fresh new concept for Five Points South. Located next to his coffee shop, Chavez’s new venture—Bandido Brunch & Social—is now open and serving fresh, Latin-inspired brunch and cocktails.

On the menu, you’ll find dishes like Chilaquiles, Huevos a la Mexicana and Mexican-style pancakes.

23. Dutch Bros Coffee | Alabaster

coffee drive-thru
Dutch Bros opened their first Birmingham-area coffee shop on May 6, 2026. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Dutch Bros, the nationally popular coffee drive-thru with a cult-like following, has opened in Alabaster. The much-anticipated location at 544 1st Street N is the first in the Birmingham-metro area and eighth statewide.

Founded in 1992, Dutch Bros is known for its friendly, high-energy service and countless drink options from espresso drinks to energy drinks and “Dutch faves”. 

24. New Shoes | Homewood

New Shoes Soft Serve ice cream shop
New Shoes Soft Serve (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

Homewood has a brand new ice cream shop located right in the heart of downtown—New Shoes Soft Serve is opening today, Thursday, May 21, a corner unit that was the former location of Thomas Andrew Art, Home & Faith and Chocolate America.

A few of New Shoes’ menu items include sweet cream, brownie batter and mango soft serve with the option to add chocolate shell, dulce de leche and a variety of housemade toppings.

25. Nmosa Fabrics | Woodlawn

nmosa fabrics
(Woodlawn / REV Birmingham)
(REV Birmingham)

Nearly five and a half years after it first opened its doors, Nmosa Fabrics is reopening in Woodlawn’s historic commercial district with a new location, expanded offerings and much more.

Located in Woodlawn, Nmosa Fabrics was founded by Theuda Tusajiwe, a longtime seamstress with a passion for fashion. Originally from a small Walker County town with a distinct lack of fashion stores, Tusajiwe grew up sewing custom outfits for herself and her friends; today, she shares her custom designs and fabrics—sourced from around with world—out of her storefront in Woodlawn.

26. Sierra | Hoover

opening
Sierra in Hoover next to Trader Joe’s. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Sierra, a popular national outdoor apparel and equipment retailer, opened its first location in Alabama at Hoover’s Riverchase Crossings Shopping Center next to Trader Joe’s this Spring. According to Sierra, shoppers can find apparel and outdoor gear at up to 20–60% less than department and specialty store prices.

27. Icon Birmingham | Five Points South

Icon Birmingham in Five Points South. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Icon Birmingham in Five Points South. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

After a little over a month since it was first announced, Icon Birmingham—a new bar founded by the owner of Tuscaloosa’s only gay bar—is now open in Five Points South. Icon Birmingham features regular drag shows and brunches, themed parties and collaborations with local LGBTQ+ and other social organizations.

28. Gary Avenue Market | Fairfield

Six smiling grocery store employees posing together in a store aisle stocked with cleaning and household products
Gary Avenue Market (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

For residents of the west Jefferson County city of Fairfield, grocery shopping just got a whole lot easier. The newly opened Gary Avenue Market officially celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, June 2, bringing fresh groceries and a renewed sense of community to Fairfield’s historic downtown.

While the Gary Avenue Market offers traditional grocery staples at affordable prices, shoppers will find much more than produce and pantry items inside the walls of the new market. The store includes a dedicated meat market featuring fresh-cut meats, one of the most requested additions from the community.

What’s your favorite recent opening in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!

LinkedIn
Grace Howard
Grace Howard
Articles: 613

You might also like