News Summary
As the new year begins, the Birmingham metro area is experiencing an influx of new business openings and developments, ranging from dining establishments to retail shops and fitness centers. Noteworthy reopenings include KD’s Fine Meats and new ventures like The Peach Cobbler Factory and JAWS Chicken & Seafood. Significant projects, such as the $242 million District 31 development, are promising to enhance the local economy and provide diverse options for residents.
Birmingham – The Birmingham metro area is seeing a wave of new business openings and developments as January 2025 gets underway, reflecting a diverse range of dining, retail, and fitness options that aim to boost the local economy and provide residents with more choices.
Among the notable reopenings is KD’s Fine Meats, a longtime butcher shop based in Alabaster, which has resumed operations following a brief closure in December 2024. This family-owned establishment specializes in a variety of meats, including beef, chicken, seafood, and pork, as well as locally-sourced side items. KD’s is conveniently located off Highway 119, making it an accessible choice for residents in the area.
In the realm of dining, The Peach Cobbler Factory has launched a new location in Springville, adding to its franchise network that spans 20 states, including six in Alabama, with plans to expand by four additional sites within the year. This dessert-centric establishment is renowned for its delicious peach cobbler and other sweet offerings.
Another dining option on the horizon is JAWS Chicken & Seafood, which is preparing to open in Midfield across from Western Hills Mall. This establishment will specialize in hot fried chicken and seafood, marking its second location in Alabama. Additionally, The Three Delights is set to debut in Southwest Birmingham, offering a menu that includes Chinese food, wings, and fried seafood, functioning exclusively as a takeout service from the former Rally’s site.
Retail enthusiasts can look forward to 2 Dripped Boutique, a luxury buy-sell-trade store dedicated to clothing and sneakers, which is set to open in Five Points West on Bessemer Road. This boutique aims to cater to sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts looking for unique finds.
Significant developments are underway with District 31, a $242 million mixed-use project in Alabaster. Scheduled to open this year, the development will provide 600,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and hotel space. Currently, construction is ongoing on The Shoppes at District 31, with several businesses, including Hobby Lobby, Shoe Station, and various restaurants such as Cava, Chipotle, and Five Guys, having signed lease agreements.
In the music scene, Seasick Records is relocating to Lakeview, anticipated to open in a renovated 20,000-square-foot warehouse and showroom by the end of February. Meanwhile, Joy East Buffet, a new Chinese buffet restaurant, will take over the former Red Robin building in Trussville’s The Pinnacle.
Birmingham is also welcoming a new boutique hotel, The Painted Lady, located near UAB Hospital, which has started accepting reservations in the historic Eyer-Raden building. In the fitness sector, Onelife Fitness is preparing to establish its first Alabama location in McCalla, part of a broader plan that encompasses six clubs in the Birmingham area, showcasing a $10 million investment that promises over 100 jobs by its projected December launch.
Food lovers will be excited to hear that Raising Cane’s is exploring opportunities for a new location in Birmingham. Other new entries in the dining scene include Cattywampus, a casual bar in downtown Columbiana offering drinks and prepackaged snacks, and Wooden City Birmingham, which is poised to open on Morris Avenue, specializing in cocktails and wood-fired dishes. A new Wendy’s has also opened in Calera, while El Royale Cafe, a Mexican restaurant, is slated for spring opening in Birmingham, aiming to provide straightforward dishes.
In the ongoing changes on the dining landscape, Yo Mama’s Restaurant has relocated to a new site in Birmingham as of January 6, while Southeastern Salvage is preparing to expand into a larger showroom in the former Golden Flake factory in Titusville by spring. Additionally, some popular eateries, such as Habaneros, have changed ownership, although others like Moe’s Original BBQ have reopened after renovations.
This busy month in Birmingham’s business scene demonstrates a vibrant local economy, with numerous businesses opening, relocating, or expanding, offering residents exciting new opportunities and choices.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Sees Surge in Job Opportunities Across Industries
Birmingham’s Pepper Place Welcomes New Tenants
42nd Alabama State Games Opening Ceremony in Birmingham
UAB Receives $180 Million for Major Renovation Projects
Alabama Power Introduces Energy Management Tools and Battery Storage Plans
Birmingham Recognized for Employee Excellence in Healthcare
Birmingham Water Works Board Contracts Under Scrutiny
Atlantic Aviation Launches Major Expansion at Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses Amid Closures
Raising Cane’s Set to Open New Location in Birmingham
Additional Resources
- Bham Now: 5 New Businesses in Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- AL.com: Businesses Coming to Birmingham Area
- Google Search: Businesses in Birmingham Alabama
- Bham Now: New Coming Soon Businesses in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham, Alabama
- AL.com: New Businesses Coming to Birmingham Area
