Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses and Bids Farewell to a Longtime Restaurant
As October rolls along, Birmingham is buzzing with new developments, including exciting business openings, the return of a local favorite, and the closure of a long-standing restaurant. The changes reflect the city’s ongoing growth and revitalization efforts.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Opens on Highway 280
One of the highlights of this month’s business news is the grand opening of Academy Sports + Outdoors at the River Ridge Shopping Center on Highway 280. After a five-year absence from the area, the popular sporting goods store has relocated to the former Best Buy site. Shoppers will find Academy Sports nestled next to World Market and Saigon Noodle House, offering a wide range of outdoor and sporting equipment for enthusiasts and families alike.
Slutty Vegan Returns to Woodlawn
In a heartening turn of events, Slutty Vegan is making a comeback in Woodlawn after a brief summer hiatus. Known for its unique and innovative vegan fast food, the restaurant is set to reopen on October 17 with a festive grand opening celebration on October 19. Recognized as one of the top vegan fast food chains in the United States by various sources, the return of Slutty Vegan is a part of a wider revitalization initiative spearheaded by REV Birmingham, designed to bring more businesses to the area.
Coming Soon: Armour House
Downtown Birmingham is set to welcome a new neighborhood restaurant, Armour House, which is expected to open its doors on November 8. Situated on 1st Ave N, this eatery will feature a menu crafted by Executive Chef Jeffrey Compton alongside local entrepreneurs Rollins Montgomery and Chris Reebals. Expect to enjoy a blend of brasserie-inspired cuisine, with highlights including open-fire grilled steaks and fresh raw bar offerings.
New Home for Yo’ Mama’s
Yo’ Mama’s is preparing for an exciting move to a new location on 4th Ave N. The restaurant, which serves beloved comfort food, is undergoing a significant transformation after Birmingham City Council approved plans for its redevelopment. This new space, which was previously unoccupied for nearly twenty years, will accommodate up to 100 diners, expanding from its earlier capacity of just 36. In addition to increased seating, the new Yo’ Mama’s will offer a private meeting area able to accommodate up to 30 people, enhancing its service offerings for group gatherings and events.
Goodbye to Saltgrass Steak House
While the city is buzzing with new openings, it also bids farewell to a familiar face. Saltgrass Steak House on Highway 280 has closed its doors for good after six years of service. Located next to Surin 280, Saltgrass was a popular destination for steak enthusiasts in town, and its closure leaves a gap in the dining options along that corridor.
Looking Ahead
With all these changes happening this October, Birmingham’s dining and shopping scenes continue to evolve. Residents are encouraged to check out the new openings, celebrate the return of cherished restaurants, and enjoy the city’s ever-expanding offerings.
Stay updated on everything happening in and around Birmingham as the community embraces these new ventures and adapts to changes. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer, there’s always something fresh and exciting to explore in this vibrant city.
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.
