News Summary
Birmingham is experiencing an influx of new business openings in July, featuring a mix of culinary spots, fitness centers, and unique services. Notable openings include Ampersand Cocktails & Desserts, The Yard Gym, and The Toasted Yolk Cafe, alongside the expansion of wellness options with OsteoStrong. Despite some closures, the local economy showcases dynamic growth with offerings that enhance community experiences across dining, fitness, and more.
Birmingham Welcomes New Business Openings in July 2023
Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as a number of new businesses have recently opened their doors or plan to do so in July 2023. With a mix of culinary spots, fitness centers, and unique services, residents can look forward to a variety of options aimed at enhancing their local experience.
A Sweet Start with Ampersand Cocktails & Desserts
On July 3, 2023, Ampersand Cocktails & Desserts celebrated its grand opening, marking Birmingham’s first dedicated dessert bar. The establishment specializes in high-end, alcohol-infused desserts and craft cocktails. With a menu featuring seasonally rotating drinks and signature cocktails, it aims to provide a unique dining experience for those with a sweet tooth.
The Yard Gym Promotes Fitness
Also opening this month is The Yard Gym, a hybrid fitness center located strategically between the UAB and VA Medical Center. Founded by Australian couple Tiarne and Daniel Bova, the gym focuses on individual and group performances, offering personal training and unlimited fitness classes to help clients achieve their exercise goals.
OsteoStrong Expands Wellness Options
In a move to provide better bone and joint health solutions, OsteoStrong has expanded with a new location in Hoover. This addition is the second operated by local owners Matthew and Ashley Laird, continuing their commitment to wellness within the community.
Toasted Yolk Cafe Expands Breakfast Offerings
On July 14, 2023, The Toasted Yolk Cafe will open its third location in Alabama at the 20 Midtown development. This popular breakfast, brunch, and lunch chain originated in Houston, Texas, and is expected to draw local crowds with its diverse menu.
Beverage Choices Grow with Kung Fu Tea
Kung Fu Tea, a bubble tea chain known for its refreshing beverages, is set to open a location at Tattersall Park on Highway 280 and U.S. 119 this month, further tantalizing the palate of tea enthusiasts in the area.
Fine Dining Coming to Lane Parke
In the fall of 2023, Locanda Brasato, an Italian restaurant by the team behind Lé Fresca, will open in Lane Parke, taking over the former Post Office Pies space. The restaurant aims to serve crafted cuisine with a focus on personal hospitality.
Wild Birds Unlimited Meets Nature Lovers
Wild Birds Unlimited is set to expand with a new location in Birmingham that will offer a range of products, including birdseed, feeders, and nature-themed gifts designed to cater to local birdwatching enthusiasts.
New Ventures and Closures
In contrast, not all businesses are thriving. Red Bird Produce, a locally-sourced grocery store, announced its closure effective July 12, 2023. The owner has encouraged community support for other local businesses like Cha House and Veggie Fiend. Furthermore, Uproot Brewing announced it will close its physical space on 3rd Avenue S effective July 6, 2023, but will continue beer production through a partnership with another local brewery.
Community-Focused Establishments
Workshops Empowerment Inc. opened a cafe in Avondale that provides jobs for individuals with disabilities, offering coffee, tea, breakfast, and lunch. Up-Down Arcade Bar has also opened in Birmingham, featuring classic arcade games, cocktails, and made-to-order pizza, enticing both nostalgic gamers and food lovers.
New Arrivals to Keep an Eye On
Other notable openings include Sweet Caroline’s, an ice cream shop in Gardendale that just celebrated its grand reopening. Those seeking affordable goods can anticipate the opening of Gabe’s Department Store at Pelham Parkway. Additionally, Phase Gym has opened a second location in Bluff Park focusing on sensory-inclusive training.
Exciting new ventures like Bygones, a cocktail bar in Southside by seasoned local bartenders, and Opulence Drag Lounge & Taqueria in Five Points South, which combines a taco restaurant with an LGBTQ+-friendly bar, aim to enrich Birmingham’s diverse gastronomic landscape. New eateries like El Royale Cafe, offering classic Tex-Mex dishes, and Pink Lantern, featuring Vietnamese coffee during the day that transitions into a cocktail venue at night, add further variety.
Finally, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is scheduled to open in Vestavia Hills, providing pet grooming services along with a gourmet bakery for pets, catering to Birmingham’s animal lovers.
Birmingham’s new business openings highlight a dynamic local economy, filled with opportunities for residents to explore fresh experiences in dining, fitness, and community services.
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now: 6 New Coming Soon Businesses in Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- AL.com: Businesses Coming to Birmingham Area
- Google Search: Birmingham business news
- Bham Now: 7 New Coming Soon Businesses in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham
- Bham Now: 6 New Coming Soon Businesses in Birmingham
- Google News: Birmingham AL new businesses
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.
