Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
8 new businesses + 2 closures in Birmingham this week
Reading time: 6 minutes
It’s a new week in The Magic City, and that means a new roundup of businesses popping up across town.
From Burmese food at The Pizitz to a beloved sandwich joint’s new home in Avondale, here are eight businesses that should be on your radar. Plus, two local businesses we’ll miss.
Now Open
1. The Broken Knife | Elysian Gardens
The Broken Knife, a bold sandwich shop with a cult-like following, has re-opened at Elysian Gardens in Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood.
Formerly located in Homewood, The Broken Knife is launching a new restaurant after one of its beloved chefs, Bucky Davis, passed away in June 2025. Following the chef’s death, the restaurant ended brick and mortar operations, but its catering service remained open for business.
The Broken Knife is slowly rolling out its new menu of sandwiches at the Gardens across from the stage.
- Location: 101 40th Street South
- Hours: Monday through Friday 11AM to 2PM
2. Road to Burma | The Pizitz
Road to Burma, an upcoming Burmese restaurant, plans to open its new stall inside The Pizitz Food Hall on Saturday, Aug. 1, introducing traditional flavors from Myanmar to the local food scene.
The menu highlights authentic Burmese dishes, including traditional meat curries, rice noodle dishes, broths and even sushi.
- Road to Burma: 205-844-1279 | Facebook | TikTok
- Location: The Pizitz Food Hall, 1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 11AM–8PM | Sunday 11AM–3PM
3. Aspen + Ash Collective | Cahaba Heights
Aspen + Ash Collective, a luxury co-working salon space, recently opened in Vestavia Hills, and the door is open for local stylists who want to be their own boss.
It gives independent beauty professionals a full-service salon setup without giving up their independence. Stylists get access to a shared, upscale space (plus, the community of a traditional salon) while still running their own business and building their own brand.
Aspen + Ash Collective is owned and founded by Krystal Millender, a stylist with 25 years in the beauty industry, including 11 years as an independent stylist and entrepreneur.
- Location: 4274 Cahaba Heights Court #225
4. Cake Me Up | Hoover
A new bakery just opened in Hoover—Cake me Up, a Brazilian Dessert Shop, officially opened its doors on July 25.
Chef Viviane, a native of Minas Gerais, Brazil, would make cakes for neighbors and friends, but realized this was her passion! Then, Cake me Up was born. You can expect yummy treats on the menu—some classic desserts we know, and some traditional Brazilian treats like pão de queijo and brigadeiro.
- Location: 5190 Ste 124 Medford Dr. Hoover, AL 35244
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM | Saturday, 9AM-5PM
- Website | Instagram
5. Candle Cow Bar | Helena
There’s a new reason to plan a shopping trip to Helena. Candle Cow Bar opened its first brick-and-mortar location on Saturday, August 1, bringing handcrafted candles, body care products and interactive candle-making experiences to the Greater Birmingham area.
The experience is perfect for a girls’ day, date night, birthday celebration or team outing. Plus, guests get to create a custom candle to take home.
- Locations: Candle Cow Bar, 4052 Helena Rd, Helena, AL 35080
- Hours:
- Mon–Fri: 12PM–6PM
- Sat: 9AM–6PM
- Sun, Wed + Thurs: Closed
Coming Soon
6. Brandy Melville | The Summit
Brandy Melville is coming soon to The Summit! The popular California-based fashion retailer, known for its trendy basics and effortless aesthetic, will be located near Victoria’s Secret, Swarovski and Sephora. If you’ve been waiting to browse the brand in person, it’s only a matter of time!
7. Big Whiskey’s | Trussville
Trussville’s dining scene may be getting one of its biggest additions yet. Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar appears to be headed to the city, and locals are already buzzing.
The excitement started last week after Big Whiskey’s announced on social media that it had signed several new franchise agreements across the country—including one in Trussville.
- Location: No official location announced
8. Saw’s BBQ | Valley Post
Good news for barbecue fans along U.S. 280—SAW’s BBQ is heading to Valley Post. SAW’s BBQ, a beloved Birmingham staple since 2009, just announced plans to bring its signature Carolina-style barbecue and famous Alabama white sauce to Valley Post, a recent development in Chelsea.
Founded by the late Mike “Sorry Ass” Wilson in 2009, SAW’s BBQ has grown from a neighborhood barbecue joint in Homewood into one of Alabama’s best-known restaurants, earning national recognition from publications like Men’s Journal, Southern Living and Garden & Gun for its smoked meats and iconic Alabama white sauce.
At Valley Post, SAW’s will join Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, a popular chicken joint that recently announced plans to open a fourth metro location at the development along U.S. 280.
- Location: 1004 Dunnavant Valley Road
Closing + Closed
9. Joyland | Avondale
Nearly two years after it first opened in Birmingham, Nashville-based fast casual concept Joyland has served its last Crustburger.
Founded in Nashville by Chef Sean Brock in 2020, Joyland was a retro-style fast-casual restaurant concept specializing in elevated fast-food items, such as the Joyburger Deluxe, the Fried Chicken Sandwich with Joy sauce and the original Crustburger.
Four years and two Nashville locations later, Chef Brock teamed up with Birmingham’s Pihakis Restaurant Group (PRG) and Franklin, TN’s Southall Farm to open a third location at 3719 Third Ave. South in Avondale, a building that was previously home to Rodney Scott’s BBQ and the legendary Bottletree Café.
10. Lotus Cat Cafe | Alabaster
After three and a half years, Alabaster’s Lotus Cat Cafe is closing at the end of August according to a recent post on social media.
All cats are up for adoption through the Ginger Cat Rescue, located inside the cafe. All cats are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and de-wormed. Check out the adoptable cats and apply for adoption here.
