Tuscaloosa, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Tuscaloosa residents have reason to rejoice as Zoë’s Kitchen, known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes, is set to reopen after a three-year absence. Originally founded in 1995 by John Cassimus, the beloved restaurant chain closed its last location in Tuscaloosa in 2022 but is making a comeback. The new location will open at the former Local Roots restaurant on McFarland Boulevard, bringing back fan-favorite meals while introducing a new healthy spinoff called Marky’s Kitchen. This revitalization marks a significant moment for local food enthusiasts.
Exciting News for Tuscaloosa Residents: Zoë’s Kitchen is Making a Comeback!
Good news for food lovers in Tuscaloosa! Zoë’s Kitchen is set to return to the area after a three-year hiatus. If you remember indulging in their delicious, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, you’re in for a treat!
A Little History
To give you some background, Zoë’s Kitchen was initially founded in Birmingham, Alabama, back in 1995 by the family of John Cassimus. Under his leadership, the brand flourished and expanded, winning the hearts of many with its fresh, wholesome menu. However, in 2018, John Cassimus sold the chain to CAVA, a Mediterranean quick-service restaurant brand. After the acquisition, CAVA decided to shelve the Zoë’s brand, which meant that all existing locations had to close.
Closure and Revival
The last Zoë’s Kitchen location in Tuscaloosa, located on Merchant’s Walk, officially closed its doors in 2022. Many fans were disappointed, but hope returned in 2023 when CAVA granted the Cassimus family the rights to revive the brand.
New Location in Town
The new Zoë’s Kitchen will be opening at the former Local Roots restaurant spot on McFarland Boulevard in the Galleria of Tuscaloosa. Local Roots, a beloved fixture in the community for nine years, closed its doors this summer, paving the way for this exciting new venture.
In addition to the Zoë’s Kitchen menu that we’ve all missed, the Tuscaloosa location will also introduce a new concept called Marky’s Kitchen. This spinoff will focus on healthy Greek and Mediterranean options and has already found its new home in the space left behind by Local Roots in Cahaba Heights.
Other Locations
If you’re curious about the original Zoë’s Kitchen, you’ll be pleased to know that the Mountain Brook location at County Club Park has already opened. It’s great to see the brand coming back to its roots, with an emphasis on the healthy Mediterranean fare that made it popular in the first place.
Impact of Changes in the Restaurant Scene
The closure of Zoë’s Kitchen in Tuscaloosa was part of a broader trend following CAVA’s acquisition, leading to over 100 location closures since then. The chain celebrated many years of operation, including an outpost within Bryant-Denny Stadium, which permanently closed in mid-November 2022 after having served customers since 2011.
Community Updates
What’s Next for Zoë’s Kitchen?
FAQs
When is Zoë’s Kitchen reopening in Tuscaloosa?
Zoë’s Kitchen is set to return to North Tuscaloosa after a three-year hiatus. The exact opening date has not been specified yet.
Who originally founded Zoë’s Kitchen?
The brand was originally founded in Birmingham by the family of John Cassimus in 1995.
What is Marky’s Kitchen?
Marky’s Kitchen is a spinoff brand that will focus on healthy Greek and Mediterranean options, which will open alongside the new Zoë’s Kitchen location.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Craft’s Chicken Expands with New Location in Birmingham
Birmingham Welcomes Patio Season for Outdoor Dining
Additional Resources
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Zoë’s Kitchen Comeback
- Wikipedia: Zoë’s Kitchen
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Zoë’s Closes Tuscaloosa Location
- Google Search: Zoë’s Kitchen
- Tuscaloosa News: Zoë’s Kitchen Closes Bryant-Denny Location
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zoë’s Kitchen
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Dollar Tree Demolition
- Google News: Zoë’s Kitchen Tuscaloosa
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Ivey Sokol Park Upgrades
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.
