Birmingham, September 7, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham is buzzing with excitement this September as new eateries and retail spots open their doors. Local favorites like Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Chicken Guy! are set to spice up the dining scene, while Abercrombie & Fitch returns to The Summit. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit shines with awards for local businesses, and community changes continue to shape the landscape. Residents and visitors alike have much to look forward to in this vibrant city.
New Flavors and Exciting Developments in Birmingham This September!
It’s a bustling time in the heart of Birmingham as several new eateries and businesses throw open their doors, welcoming everyone with delicious food, unique shopping experiences, and community engagement. If you’re a local or just visiting, you will want to check out what’s new and happening this month!
Popeyes and Chicken Guy! Spice Up Dining Options
One of the most exciting developments is the grand opening of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, which took place on August 16, 2025, at 517 Cahaba Park Circle. This new spot is a fresh take on fast food, sliding right into the space that used to be a Burger King so expect some seriously tasty fried chicken and shrimp. The menu doesn’t stop there; enjoy Cajun-style sides and desserts like the crowd-pleasing Oreo cheesecake cups and delicious cinnamon apple pie. It’s a must-try for anyone craving some Southern comfort food.
But that’s not all in the world of chicken! Chicken Guy! is also making its debut soon, with its first Alabama location opening on September 2, 2025, inside Walmart in Gardendale. With celebrity chef Guy Fieri behind this concept, expect an upbeat vibe and a menu featuring chicken tenders paired with delicious sauces. Yum!
New Culinary Adventures Await
Food lovers can also rejoice in the diversity offered by the new Eating Time Chinese Restaurant, which has opened at 3439 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 300. Under new management, this spot takes over from Black Pearl Asian Cuisine and brings with it a fantastic menu that includes lo mein, fried rice, and egg rolls! Dine-in, pickup, and catering options are available, plus they’ll have weekly specials to keep things exciting.
For those looking for a unique twist on dining, check out the upscale Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant, Johin’na, located on 2nd Ave North. This hotspot promises to impress with a menu full of inventive dishes that blend flavors in a delightful way.
If dessert is more your style, don’t miss out on Sweet Roll in Hoover, specializing in handcrafted rolled ice cream with unique flavors that are sure to be Instagram-worthy!
Store Openings and Local Celebrations
The retail scene is also buzzing, with Abercrombie & Fitch planning to open a new store at The Summit this fall, marking a welcome return to the Birmingham area after its previous closure at Riverchase Galleria. Without a doubt, shoppers can look forward to fresh fashion finds!
A Strong Entrepreneurial Spirit Shines
In a show of community pride, the University of Alabama at Birmingham National Alumni Society recently honored 40 fast-growing businesses led by UAB alumni with the inaugural Blazer Fast 40 Awards. Recognitions went to owners like Greg and Morgan Yund of Flying Biscuit Café and Kenzie Prosch of Magic City Pest Control, celebrating their impressive growth and contributions to the local economy.
Minding Our Community
Birmingham is continuing to nurture its businesses and community spirit, as local organizations are making changes too. David Wells, the president and CEO of Alabama Goodwill Industries, will retire effective October 31. Meanwhile, in the education sector, Hilltop Montessori School has welcomed Lisa Litka as the new Head of School for the 2025-2026 academic year.
With great growth comes exciting developments; Capstone Building Corp. has recently completed new rental cottage projects, further boosting local housing options in areas like North Carolina and South Carolina.
Birmingham is a city on the rise with new dining experiences, evolving retail options, and community-focused businesses. So, whether you’re ready to indulge in new flavors or shop til’ you drop, there’s no shortage of excitement in this vibrant city!
FAQs
What new food options are available in Birmingham?
The new food options in Birmingham include Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Eating Time Chinese Restaurant, Johin’na (a Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant), and Sweet Roll (an ice cream shop specializing in rolled ice cream).
When is Chicken Guy! opening?
Chicken Guy! is set to open on September 2, 2025, in Walmart located in Gardendale.
Are there any new retail store openings?
Yes, Abercrombie & Fitch is planning to open a new store at The Summit this fall.
What noteworthy community events recently happened?
The University of Alabama at Birmingham National Alumni Society honored 40 fast-growing businesses led by UAB alumni with the inaugural Blazer Fast 40 Awards.
Who is the new Head of School at Hilltop Montessori School?
Lisa Litka has been announced as the new Head of School for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Key Features of Birmingham’s Developments
| Business Name | Type | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen | Restaurant | 517 Cahaba Park Circle | Fried chicken and Cajun sides |
| Chicken Guy! | Restaurant | Walmart in Gardendale | Chicken tenders with various sauces |
| Eating Time Chinese Restaurant | Restaurant | 3439 Colonnade Parkway | Chinese cuisine (lo mein, fried rice) |
| Johin’na | Restaurant | 2nd Ave North | Japanese-Southern fusion |
| Sweet Roll | Ice Cream Shop | Hoover | Handcrafted rolled ice cream |
| Abercrombie & Fitch | Retail | The Summit | Fashion retail |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
KPMG Grants $112,500 to Birmingham Promise for Education
Senlek Thai Rice and Noodles Opens in Hoover
New Chinese Restaurants Open in Birmingham
Birmingham Welcomes Broadway’s ‘Wicked’
Kung Fu Tea Opens First Location in Birmingham
New Businesses Opening in Birmingham
Celebrating Two Decades of Architectural Excellence in Birmingham
California’s Economy Depends Heavily on Immigrant Labor
Annual Gem and Mineral Show in Bessemer
Carrigan’s Public House to Relocate in Birmingham
Additional Resources
- StyleBlueprint: New Restaurants in Birmingham
- AL.com: Guy Fieri Restaurant Opening First Alabama Location
- Bham Now: 7 Openings & 2 Closings in Birmingham
- Free Press: Big Rock Italian Chophouse Birmingham Opening
- Bham Now: 8 New Openings in Birmingham Area
- Wikipedia: Birmingham
- Google Search: Restaurants in Birmingham
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Openings Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham
- Google News: Birmingham 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.
