Birmingham, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham is experiencing a wave of new businesses, including restaurants and entertainment venues, while some cherished local spots prepare to close their doors. New dining options like Johin’na and Sherita’s are tantalizing taste buds, along with upcoming entertainment venues like The Pull-Up Bham. However, residents are also facing the bittersweet farewells of long-standing establishments such as Art Alley and DeVinci’s Italian Restaurant, marking a significant shift in the city’s landscape.
Exciting New Businesses Open in Birmingham Alongside Farewells to Beloved Local Establishments
Birmingham is buzzing with new developments as several exciting businesses have recently opened, while some beloved local spots are preparing to say goodbye. It’s a bittersweet time for residents and visitors alike as the city continues to evolve.
New Flavors Hit the Scene
Get ready to indulge your taste buds because Birmingham has welcomed some remarkable new eateries. One highlight is Johin’na, located at 2002 2nd Ave North. This unique establishment blends Japanese and Southern cuisine, offering innovative dishes like collard green gyoza served with a delicious sweet tea soy sauce. The upscale dining atmosphere makes it perfect for a fancy night out or a special celebration.
Another gem in the dining scene is Sherita’s – A Different Taste, which opened its doors in Pleasant Grove on July 25. This brand new restaurant brings a taste of Cajun cuisine, including mouthwatering sides like okra and fries. With this opening, Pleasant Grove now boasts two new restaurants in the last three months, making it a burgeoning hotspot for good eats.
Not Just Restaurants: Exciting Venues for Fun
Beyond the culinary scene, Birmingham is about to unveil The Pull-Up Bham, a vibrant new party bus that will begin operations in mid-August or September. Featuring high-energy entertainment and dazzling neon lights, this party bus is perfect for those looking to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a night out with friends.
Moreover, Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar is set to open on August 5, adding even more variety to the city. This venue will feature unique activities, including Duckpin bowling and shuffleboard, along with a full-service bar to keep the drinks flowing. It’s an excellent place for gatherings of all types.
Shopping Scene Grows Stronger
Birmingham’s shopping scene is also expanding, with Abercrombie & Fitch announcing its return to The Summit this fall. Shoppers will find the store located next to Chuy’s, much to the delight of fans of the brand after its previous departure from the Riverchase Galleria.
Additionally, Foosackly’s, a popular chicken restaurant from Mobile, is coming to Hoover with its first location in Birmingham. Set to open at 5552 Grove Boulevard, fans will soon be able to enjoy their famous chicken dishes much closer to home.
Saying Goodbye to Local Favorites
In addition, the popular Taco Mama recently closed its UAB location after an eight-year run, expressing gratitude toward its dedicated staff and loyal customers. Though they still have eight remaining locations in the Birmingham area, this closure leaves a noticeable gap for many taco lovers.
Another longstanding gem, DeVinci’s Italian Restaurant in Homewood, announced its closure after 64 years, communicated through a heartfelt post on social media. Similarly, Corbin Farms Winery, one of the oldest wineries in the Southern USA, will close its Calera location on August 10 after eight successful years. The loss of these establishments will be felt by many in the community.
Exploring More Culinary Options
Other new openings include Bangkok Street Foods in Vestavia Hills, which serves traditional Thai street food with modern twists, and Tacos Pica-Chu, a new street-style taco truck offering a variety of specialty meats and classic Mexican fare. Additionally, Mama Spice, a Jamaican restaurant in Pell City, showcases tasty island dishes such as jerk chicken and curry goat.
Birmingham is experiencing an exciting transformation with new dining options and fun venues while bidding farewell to longtime favorites. The culinary and entertainment scene remains vibrant, ensuring that the city maintains its status as a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
FAQs
What is Johin’na?
Johin’na is a Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant located at 2002 2nd Ave North in Birmingham, featuring unique menu items like collard green gyoza with sweet tea soy sauce.
What type of food does Sherita’s – A Different Taste offer?
Sherita’s specializes in Cajun cuisine and serves sides such as okra and fries. It recently opened in Pleasant Grove.
What activities are available at Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar?
Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar will offer Duckpin bowling, shuffleboard, and a full-service bar when it opens on August 5.
Which iconic locations are closing in Birmingham?
Notable closings include Art Alley, Taco Mama’s UAB location, DeVinci’s Italian Restaurant, and Corbin Farms Winery.
Where is the new Foosackly’s location opening?
Foosackly’s will open at 5552 Grove Boulevard in Hoover, marking its first Birmingham-area location.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Restaurants | Johin’na (Japanese-Southern), Sherita’s (Cajun) |
| New Entertainment Venues | The Pull-Up Bham (Party Bus), Tap Ins Golf Lounge & Bar |
| Store Openings | Abercrombie & Fitch, Foosackly’s |
| Closures | Art Alley, Taco Mama (UAB), DeVinci’s, Corbin Farms Winery |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Businesses Open in Hoover’s Knox Square Development
Iron City Pizza Company Announces Closure
Jake’s Soul Food Café Introduces New LHUT Meal
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon Visits Birmingham for Expansion
Birmingham Restaurants Shine in National Hot List
Taco Mama Closes Downtown Birmingham Location After Eight Years
Birmingham Emerges as a Premier Brunch Destination
Birmingham Land Bank Authority Initiates Legal Proceedings
Juvenile Charged in Birmingham Reckless Manslaughter Case
Birmingham Community Rallies to Support Grieving Father
Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: Kendra Lyas’ Business Success
- Google Search: Birmingham business news
- AL.com: Mountain Brook Jeweler Expansion
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Bham Now: New Birmingham Businesses
- Google Scholar: Birmingham businesses
- Birmingham Times: Funding for New Businesses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham Alabama business
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.
