Tuscaloosa, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Tuscaloosa is welcoming a new Mediterranean dining experience with the opening of Zoë’s & Marky’s Kitchen on October 14th. This restaurant is a revival of the original Zoë’s Kitchen, founded in 1995 and features beloved family recipes. Led by John Cassimus, the new eatery aims to bring back cherished flavors with a cozy atmosphere and future expansion plans for additional locations. Get ready to indulge in fresh Mediterranean cuisine and create lasting memories in Tuscaloosa!
Exciting News for Tuscaloosa: New Mediterranean Restaurant Opens!
Hey Tuscaloosa! If you’re a fan of Mediterranean food, there’s some thrilling news heading your way. A brand new restaurant called Zoë’s & Marky’s Kitchen is set to open its doors on Tuesday, October 14th, right at 1665 McFarland Blvd. N. This isn’t just any restaurant; it’s a heartfelt revival of the beloved original Zoë’s Kitchen, which adds a special touch for all the loyal fans out there.
The Story Behind Zoë’s Kitchen
Founded back in 1995 by John Cassimus’s parents, Zoë and Marcus Cassimus, this restaurant has deep roots in Birmingham, Alabama. It quickly became a neighborhood favorite, and under the leadership of John Cassimus, it expanded to over 250 locations across Alabama and Tennessee. Fast forward to today, after a series of shifts in ownership and location changes, the essence of Zoë’s Kitchen is making a comeback.
A Familiar Face in the Kitchen
John Cassimus is no stranger to the Alabama restaurant scene. Before embarking on this journey, he had a hand in establishing other successful dining spots such as Maki Fresh, Jinsei, and Crazy Cazboy’s. After selling his majority stake in Zoë’s Kitchen, Cassimus took a step back as CEO, but his passion for creating delightful culinary experiences never faded. With the opening of Zoë’s & Marky’s Kitchen, he’s excited to bring back those treasured family recipes that so many have missed.
Home Sweet Home for Zoë’s Kitchen
Tuscaloosa holds a special significance in the heart of Cassimus. He emphasized the local connection, pointing out that this city was among the earlier homes for Zoë’s Kitchen. To celebrate these ties, the new restaurant will feature a cozy decor, adorned with family photographs and memorabilia that pay homage to Cassimus’ football days at the University of Alabama.
A Taste of Home
Fans of the original restaurant will be thrilled to find a familiar menu at Zoë’s & Marky’s Kitchen. The updated concept focuses on fresh, hand-crafted Mediterranean cuisine that showcases beloved family recipes. Whether you’re craving hummus, wraps, or refreshing salads, you’re guaranteed a delightful experience that truly feels like home. But it doesn’t end there; Cassimus has plans to expand this new restaurant concept further, eyeing locations like Hoover in spring 2024.
Bringing Back the Flavor
Many loyal customers have missed the flavors of Zoë’s Kitchen since its last location in Tuscaloosa closed in 2022. With the relaunch, Cassimus aims to cater to this dedicated fan base. He understands that food is more than just a meal; it’s about creating memories and celebrating family traditions. By reviving Zoë’s Kitchen, he hopes to serve customers exactly what they’ve been craving.
Join the Adventure!
So, if you want to be part of this culinary adventure, make sure to swing by Zoë’s & Marky’s Kitchen starting Tuesday! You’ll not only taste amazing Mediterranean dishes but also become part of a heartwarming story that marries tradition with innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Zoë’s & Marky’s Kitchen open?
The restaurant will open on Tuesday, October 14th.
Where is the new restaurant located?
Zoë’s & Marky’s Kitchen is located at 1665 McFarland Blvd. N in Tuscaloosa.
What kind of food will the restaurant serve?
The restaurant will feature fresh, hand-crafted Mediterranean cuisine inspired by family recipes.
Are there plans to open more locations?
Yes, there are plans to expand to other locations, including Hoover in spring 2024.
Key Features of Zoë’s & Marky’s Kitchen
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | October 14th |
| Location | 1665 McFarland Blvd. N, Tuscaloosa |
| Cuisine Type | Hand-crafted Mediterranean |
| Future Expansion | Plans for Hoover in spring 2024 |
| Legacy | Revival of original Zoë’s Kitchen recipes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Mountain Brook Village to Open New Gourmet Grocery Store
Additional Resources
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Zoe’s & Marky’s Kitchen Opening
- Wikipedia
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Zoe’s Kitchen Comeback
- Google Search: Zoe’s Kitchen Tuscaloosa
- Tuscaloosa News: Zoë’s Kitchen Closes
- Google Scholar: Zoe’s Kitchen
- Homewood Star: Zoe’s Kitchen and Make-A-Wish
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama Restaurants
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Zoe’s Closes Tuscaloosa Location
- Google News: Zoe’s Kitchen Tuscaloosa
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.
