News Summary
On February 25, 2025, Alicia’s Coffee opened its doors at the historic A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham. This significant milestone commemorates the motel’s rich history while providing a community hub for connection and entrepreneurship. Co-owners Naimah Alicia Elmore and Rashad Harrell aim to offer delicious local coffee and pastries while honoring the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. The city’s investment in restoration and the emphasis on supporting local businesses underscore the importance of this revival, fostering economic growth and community ties.
Birmingham Welcomes Alicia’s Coffee at Historic A.G. Gaston Motel
What a delightful moment for Birmingham! On February 25, 2025, the grand opening of Alicia’s Coffee took place at the newly revived A.G. Gaston Motel, a site dripping with history and significance. With its designation as a National Historic Site in 2017 by President Barack Obama, the motel is now more than ever a place for both nostalgia and new beginnings.
The Revival of a Historical Gem
The A.G. Gaston Motel isn’t just an old building; it was a pivotal hub during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, where numerous meetings took place between iconic leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others. Room 30 in this very motel was where strategies were meticulously planned to fight for justice and equality. Bringing Alicia’s Coffee into this space feels like adding a fresh coat of paint to a classic – it’s all about the heart and soul of the community.
The recent restoration of the motel is a collaborative effort involving several key partners, such as the National Park Service, the City of Birmingham, and the Historical Preservation Authority. Together, they are nurturing this historic establishment so that it can continue to inspire future generations. The city even invested a whopping $10 million into the restoration process, with an additional $1.1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation specifically to support Alicia’s Coffee’s buildout.
A Somewhat Sweet Beginning
Alicia’s Coffee is co-owned by the dynamic duo, Naimah Alicia Elmore and Rashad Harrell, whose vision is rooted deeply in community engagement. They not only aim to serve delicious coffee but also to create a safe, healing environment where diverse community members can come together. Local flavors play a prominent role here; the coffee shop will offer a signature drink called “Room 30” and delectable pastries from local baker Amber’s Dessert, showcasing the rich talents of Birmingham’s African-American community.
At the grand opening, Birmingham’s Mayor, Randall Woodfin, affirmed the importance of Alicia’s Coffee, noting how it embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship that is crucial for any thriving community. Additionally, City Council President Darrell O’Quinn emphasized the vital importance of supporting local businesses and preserving valuable historical landmarks.
A Beacon of Hope for Future Generations
Birmingham City Commissioner Sheila Tyson highlighted the significant role this coffee shop plays as an economic indicator, connecting it to the broader goal of generational wealth. The revival of the A.G. Gaston Motel and the introduction of Alicia’s Coffee signal a meaningful step toward fortifying the local economy while honoring the legacy of those who championed civil rights in the very halls of this historic space.
Alicia’s Coffee aims to create a cozy ambiance that invites all community members to drop by daily, as they will be open seven days a week from 7 AM to 4 PM. This daily invitation embraces the idea of connection – a place to share stories over a warm cup of coffee or indulge in a sweet treat.
A Community Celebration
The grand opening attracted numerous community members who share a collective pride in the motel’s history and its exciting future. Supporters such as Leverne Holbdy came out to witness the dawn of this new chapter, reinforcing the community’s commitment to revitalize and cherish its historical sites.
Overall, the combination of history and entrepreneurship at Alicia’s Coffee is a beautiful testament to Birmingham’s resilience and future potential. As the city embraces this new venture, it invites everyone to partake in the celebrations of history, culture, and strong community ties.
This isn’t just about coffee; it’s about savoring the aroma of hope and progress brewing right in the heart of Birmingham!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Welcomes New Eateries and Boutiques
Birmingham Celebrates the Opening of Alicia’s Coffee
Birmingham Welcomes Alicia’s Coffee: A Community Hub
Alicia’s Coffee: Brewing Community Connections in Birmingham
Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses in 2025
Additional Resources
- CBS 42: Author Marie Sutton Shares How Her Book on A.G. Gaston Motel Came to Be
- AL.com: New Coffee Shop at Restored A.G. Gaston Motel Adds Healing Place
- ABC 33/40: Alicia’s Coffee Named Operator of the A.G. Gaston Motel Coffee Shop
- Birmingham Times: Black-Owned Business to Operate Birmingham’s A.G. Gaston Motel Coffee Shop
- Wikipedia: A.G. Gaston Motel
