Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses Amid Closure

Birmingham, AL, August 19, 2025

News Summary

Birmingham is experiencing a surge of new businesses, including Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, Joy East Buffet, and El Patron. While these establishments enhance the local landscape, Frutta Bowls is set to close after seven years. The community is buzzing with excitement for upcoming ventures, particularly a new Mexican restaurant, De Nada, planned for early 2026. Local nonprofit Urban Impact is also making strides to support small businesses via a $200,000 grant for microloans, promoting growth in underserved areas.

Birmingham Welcomes Exciting New Businesses While Bidding Farewell to One

Birmingham is buzzing with energy as several new businesses have recently opened their doors, bringing a delightful mix of flavors and offerings to residents. In the midst of this hustle and bustle, it’s important to note that one establishment will soon be saying goodbye.

New Entries to the Birmingham Scene

Waldo’s Chicken & Beer made its grand opening on Pelham Parkway last week, becoming the third location in the Birmingham-Metro area and the fifth statewide. Known for its juicy chicken tenders, memorable sauces, rotisserie chicken, delicious sandwiches, and a wide variety of beers and cocktails, Waldo’s is quickly making a name for itself.

Over in Trussville, Joy East Buffet is now serving up delicious traditional Asian-inspired cuisine at The Pinnacle, which occupies the former Red Robin space. If you’re in the mood for hibachi, sushi, or dumplings, this new spot has you covered.

Irondale is adding some Tex-Mex flair with the opening of El Patron in the Cahaba Crossing Center. This new restaurant joins the ranks of existing locations on Highway 280 in Birmingham, Trussville, and Gadsden, all known for their vibrant menu options.

In a charming move, Revival Antiques is relocating to a new space in the Forest Park neighborhood, taking over the former MK Quinlan location on Clairmont Avenue, allowing for a fresh start in a new community.

The transformation of Cassanova Bar & Lounge to Cassanova Restaurant & Bar also took place, now found in the Lakeview area, taking over the spot once occupied by Half Shell Oyster House. While it has a new name and location, it retains its original vibe with new features that promise an exciting dining experience.

Additionally, Battle Republic, which is gaining recognition in the Birmingham fitness scene for its unique boxing concept, will be moving from The Summit to Stadium Trace Village, right next to fan-favorites Urban Cookhouse and Hero Doughnuts.

What’s Coming Soon

Looking ahead, a new Mexican-inspired restaurant named De Nada is set to launch in downtown Birmingham in early 2026, bringing a fresh take on tacos and margaritas. This endeavor from the Martinez family, known for their previously opened Hacienda Mexican Grill, has locals buzzing with excitement.

Recent Closures

On a bittersweet note, Frutta Bowls in The Summit will be closing its doors after seven years of serving fresh, healthy bowls, with the final day of operations on Sunday, August 24. After this closure, there will only be three remaining Frutta Bowl locations across Alabama.

Empowering Local Businesses

The local nonprofit Urban Impact was recently granted $200,000 from JPMorganChase to enhance small business access in underserved communities through the Birmingham Community Impact Fund. This initiative, which aims to provide microloans between $500 and $25,000, is part of a larger commitment by JPMorganChase to support Alabama’s small business landscape.

To assist in this endeavor, the Milken Institute is facilitating the initiative’s first phase, helping organizations identify specific needs and formulate growth plans, collaborating with local business resource centers and organizations.

Cultural and Culinary Additions

In the vibrant Lakeview District, El Royale Café has opened, offering a cozy garden space for diners while serving up Tex-Mex staples. Meanwhile, in Avondale, Songbird Salon has arrived, previously known as Arcadia Salon, and is now under the creative direction of its new owner.

Trussville is now home to Ellianos Coffee, featuring its very first double-sided drive-thru, aiming to serve coffee lovers on the go. Mountain Brook Village has welcomed Laura Lane Salon, focusing on high-end salon treatments to enhance the area’s beauty offerings.

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Unbothered Scoops in Bessemer, where you can enjoy fun outdoor activities alongside a mini-golf course. For those looking for a laid-back spot for coffee and cocktails, Pink Lantern has also opened its doors, providing Vietnamese coffee during the day and transforming into a stylish bar at night.

Lastly, pet owners have something to look forward to as Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming prepares to open in Vestavia Hills, offering pampering services along with a gourmet pet bakery.

Community Buzz

With all these new openings, it’s clear that Birmingham is thriving with new innovations and establishments. Whether it’s a new place to grab a drink, enjoy a meal, or find services for your furry friends, there’s something special burgeoning in the city.

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HERE Resources

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Birmingham’s Tortugas Homemade Pizza Recognized as Alabama’s Best
Birmingham Bakery Last Call Baking Co. Gains Popularity with Award-Winning Pastries
New Fried Chicken Spot with Asian Flavors Opens in Birmingham
Joy East Buffet Opens in Trussville, AL
JPMorgan Chase’s CEO Visits Birmingham to Announce Expansion Plans
Urban Cookhouse to Open New Location in Hoover
Birmingham Welcomes Southeastern Salvage’s New Store
Tremayne Thompson Discusses Entrepreneurship in Birmingham

Additional Resources

• Bham Now: 7 Businesses & 1 Closure Coming to the Magic City
• AL.com: Birmingham Nonprofit Awarded JPMorgan Chase Small Business Grants
• WBRC: UFL Business Director Issues Challenge to Birmingham Stallions Fans
• Bham Now: 7 New Coming Soon Businesses in the Magic City
• Google Search: Birmingham 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.