News Summary
A new Italian restaurant, Locanda Brasato, is set to open in Lane Parke, Mountain Brook, replacing Post Office Pies. Chefs Duaine Clements and Marco Butturini will offer handcrafted meals with a focus on authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant aims to enrich the local dining scene and promises a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors. The opening follows the closure of Post Office Pies, which faced financial challenges. Locanda Brasato hopes to bring a fresh culinary experience to the community.
Mountain Brook – This fall, an exciting new dining option will emerge in Mountain Brook’s Lane Parke as Locanda Brasato, an Italian restaurant, opens in the space formerly occupied by Post Office Pies. The much-anticipated establishment is a collaboration between Chef Duaine Clements and Marco Butturini, who are set to offer a unique culinary experience that emphasizes handcrafted meals and personalized service.
Locanda Brasato will be located at the busy intersection of Rele Street and Jemison Lane, marking a new chapter for the swanky Lane Parke mixed-use development, which has been gradually expanding since its retail phase began in 2016. The new restaurant promises to focus on thoughtful, slow-prepared Italian cuisine that is full of personal touches and unexpected flavors, reflecting the chefs’ passion for authentic Italian cooking and hospitality.
The closing of Post Office Pies on June 29, 2024, marked the end of an era for the popular pizza restaurant that had been a staple in the Mountain Brook community. After opening its doors in Avondale 11 years prior, the pizzeria became widely recognized as one of the best in the nation, even earning a spot on The New York Times’ list of “22 of the Best Pizza Places in the United States.” However, owners faced challenges due to an increasingly difficult business climate and significant lease renewal costs that made it impossible to maintain operations.
The financial burden of a monthly lease renewal estimated between $14,000 and $15,000 led to the decision to close the Mountain Brook location. The decision was compounded by prior hardships, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of a partner, Mike. Despite its struggles, the restaurant left a mark on the community, as it was well-loved for its artisanal pizza and family-friendly atmosphere.
In contrast, Locanda Brasato aims to rejuvenate the local dining scene. Chef Butturini, who has experience in Birmingham’s top restaurants, including those owned by renowned chef Frank Stitt, is excited to share his culinary vision with the new venture. This follows the success of Le Fresca, the duo’s prior restaurant that embraced authentic Northern Italian cuisine and garnered positive acclaim since its opening in 2020.
The leasing associate for Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors, Jackie Hollingsworth, highlighted the team’s dedication to quality ingredients and personalized dining experiences, which aligns with the overall mission for Lane Parke as a premium destination for residents and visitors alike. As Locanda Brasato prepares to welcome guests, expectations are high for its combination of fresh, flavorful dishes and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Lane Parke is not just an office space; it is a vibrant community hub featuring luxury apartments, high-end retail shops, and upscale dining options. With 257 luxury apartments and a Publix grocery store, Lane Parke has positioned itself as a desirable location for those seeking an upscale lifestyle in Mountain Brook.
Locanda Brasato’s opening is a ray of hope for local dining enthusiasts, promising a new culinary experience that honors the rich traditions of Italian cuisine while establishing a strong connection to the community. As the Mountain Brook community prepares to bid farewell to Post Office Pies, the debut of Locanda Brasato signifies a fresh start and a commitment to elevating the area’s gastronomic offerings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham’s Bar Scene Thrives with Martini Trends
Birmingham’s Wine Scene Faces Tariff Challenges
Birmingham Buzz: New Dining and Family Fun Openings
Birmingham Hosts Weekend of Family Fun and Entertainment
Salvatore’s Pizza and Pasta Opens in Chelsea, Alabama
Birmingham Welcomes Eight New Restaurants and Bars
New Soul Food Café Opens Its Doors in Pleasant Grove
Birmingham Sees Major Expansion in Job Market
Birmingham’s Culinary Scene Welcomes New Dining Destinations
Birmingham’s Dining and Retail Scene Set for 2025
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Team Behind Popular Birmingham Italian Restaurant Opening New Spot in Mountain Brook’s Lane Parke
- Village Living: Mountain Brook Business Happenings January 2025
- AL.com: Birmingham Area Pizza Place Called One of America’s Best is Closing Its Final Location
- Wikipedia: Italian Cuisine
- Bham Now: 20 New Businesses That Opened in Birmingham in 2024
- Google Search: Mountain Brook Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
