6 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 development opening up in Alabaster to a fun DIY stuffed animal experience in Trussville, here are six businesses that should be on your radar. Plus, one local business we’ll miss.
Now Open
1. Chelsea Nutrition | Chelsea
A vibrant new health and community hub has officially arrived in Chelsea. Grace Davis, the owner behind Square 1 Nutrition on Valleydale Road, has expanded her footprint with a brand-new second location, Chelsea Nutrition.
Located off U.S. Highway 280 at 601 Chelsea Crossroads, the new spot celebrated its official grand opening on Friday, June 5, complete with a formal ribbon cutting alongside community leaders, friends and family.
- Location: 601 Chelsea Crossroads, Chelsea, AL 35043
- Hours:
- Monday–Friday, 6:30AM–5PM
- Saturday, 8AM–4PM
- Chelsea Nutrition: 205-834-5107 | Instagram | Facebook
2. First Watch | Alabaster
Shelby County breakfast and brunch fans have a new daytime dining destination. First Watch opened its doors in Alabaster on Monday, June 15, bringing its chef-inspired menu, fresh-juiced beverages, and specialized coffee program to the area.
First Watch operates with a “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, meaning the kitchen uses fresh ingredients without heat lamps, microwaves or deep fryers.
- Location: 725 1st St. S., Alabaster, AL 35007
- Hours: Open daily from 7AM-2:30PM
3. Simply Stuffed | Trussville
Simply Stuffed has opened at The Pinnacle in Trussville, bringing a DIY stuffed animal experience to kids, families and plushie fans.
If you’ve ever been to Build-A-Bear, Simply Stuffed offers a similar experience, but with more affordable pricing and a simpler setup. (Prices range between approximately $15-$20 per animal.) Every stuffed animal comes with its own customizable birth certificate, complete with a name, birth date and official “Plush Ambassador” signature.
- Location: 5030 Pinnacle Sq, #108, Birmingham, AL 35235
- Hours: Tues–Fri: 10AM–6PM | Sat: 10AM–7PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Rêve | The Pizitz
Rêve, Birmingham’s only tasting menu restaurant, revealed its newly renovated space at a public ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, June 17. Led by Chef Jacob M. Stull, Rêve was included in the first MICHELIN Guide American South edition in November 2025.
In addition to interior renovations, they have also added a handcrafted French Rotisol rotisserie, featuring an iconic brass and cast-iron design. The culinary centerpiece is placed within the dining room, enabling Rêve to add a new tasting on the menu called the Rotisserie Experience.
- Location: 1821 2nd Ave N Ste 176, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 5-10PM
5. Nothing Bundt Cakes | Alabaster
Alabaster’s highly anticipated development, The Shoppes at District 31, is making big progress as storefront signs officially begin to go up along Highway 31.
Today, June 22, one of its first tenants, Nothing Bundt Cakes opened and welcomed its first customers. The new Alabaster bakery is the fifth location in the Greater Birmingham area.
- Location: 725 1st St S Suite 3303, Alabaster, AL 35007
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-7PM | Saturday 10AM-8PM | Sunday 11AM-5PM
Coming Soon
6. Kids Xpress Urgent Care | Lee Branch
A new pediatric medical option is coming to Birmingham this month. KidsXpress Urgent Care is launching a specialized clinic to provide accessible care for children and young adults from infancy up to age 21.
According to the clinic’s website, the facility aims to offer families an alternative to long emergency room wait times by treating non-life-threatening conditions. The clinic is led by CEO Dr. Felicia Fortune, a local healthcare leader. Fortune has previously worked with regional initiatives, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Forge AHEAD Center, to improve local health equity and youth wellness, according to the center.
Closed
7. KFC | Ensley
The KFC located at 1800 20th Street Ensley has closed its doors for good. The permanent closure of this location leaves the Ensley neighborhood with one less national fast food chain, highlighting ongoing conversations about economic investment and food accessibility in the area.
With the closure of this KFC, Ensley no longer hosts any major national fast-food brands. Ensley residents noted that, although it may not seem like a big deal, it means traveling further across town to purchase food, meaning the revenue is put into another community.
