News Summary
Coca-Cola has relaunched its ‘Share a Coke’ campaign, featuring personalized bottles and cans. A Birmingham resident creatively personifies local landmarks with Coca-Cola names, including the Sloss Furnaces and Alabama Theatre. Additionally, El Barrio, a renowned Mexican restaurant, has been voted Alabama’s best, expanding its presence with a new location. Birmingham continues to blend unique marketing with vibrant culinary experiences.
Birmingham – Coca-Cola has recently relaunched its popular “Share a Coke” campaign, which showcases bottles and cans emblazoned with a variety of names. This marketing initiative continues to engage consumers by allowing them to connect personally with the product. However, some individuals, including the author, have yet to come across their own name on the beverage containers.
The campaign has inspired a creative twist from a Birmingham resident, who has chosen to personify five well-known local landmarks using names found on Coca-Cola packaging. The following entries represent this imaginative interpretation of iconic Birmingham locations.
Personifications of Birmingham Landmarks
Sloss Furnaces as “Autumn”
The historic Sloss Furnaces, recognized for its industrial significance and charm, has been characterized as “Autumn.” This name captures the venue’s rustic essence, reminiscent of the fall season and its warm hues. The location is a testament to Birmingham’s industrial past and cultural evolution.
Alabama Theatre as “Gabriella”
Next, the Alabama Theatre has been linked to the name “Gabriella,” which resonates with the theatrical history of this grand venue. Known for hosting a diverse array of performances since its opening, the Alabama Theatre is a cornerstone of Birmingham’s entertainment landscape.
Birmingham Zoo as “Diego”
In a more lighthearted connection, the Birmingham Zoo is suggested to embody the name “Diego,” inspired by the beloved children’s television show, “Go, Diego, Go!” This playful name reflects the zoo’s focus on animal education and family-friendly experiences for visitors.
Vulcan as “Julian”
The city’s cast-iron statue, Vulcan, has been described as “Julian,” referencing the connections to Roman mythology. This iconic figure stands as a symbol of Birmingham’s rich historical heritage and is a significant attraction for both locals and tourists.
Coca-Cola Amphitheatre as “Layla”
Rounding out the list is the Coca-Cola Amphitheatre, which is aptly named “Layla,” in tribute to the famous rock song by Eric Clapton. The amphitheater serves as a venue for various music events, making this name particularly fitting as it pays homage to the music-loving community of Birmingham.
The Coca-Cola Personalization Tool
As part of the campaign, Coca-Cola also offers a feature that allows consumers to personalize their own bottles and cans. This tool is designed for special occasions, enabling individuals to create unique gifts or commemorate personal milestones with custom names or phrases.
Birmingham’s Culinary Scene: El Barrio
In addition to the Coca-Cola campaign, Birmingham’s vibrant food scene has also received noteworthy recognition. El Barrio, a popular Mexican restaurant located on 2nd Avenue North, has been named the best Mexican restaurant in Alabama by Cheapism. Established in 2011, El Barrio has quickly garnered a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant’s menu features an array of dishes from various regions of Mexico, along with local favorites like the smoky bacon bean dip. El Barrio’s commitment to authentic and diverse flavors has contributed to its status as a dining hotspot within the city.
Plans are underway for a new location of El Barrio to open in West Homewood, expanding its reach and continuing to delight customers with its flavorful offerings.
Through innovative marketing campaigns and cultural landmarks, Birmingham celebrates its unique identity and strives for community engagement both in its tourism and culinary sectors.
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Additional Resources
- The Bama Buzz: Share a Coke Alabama
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Bham Now: Share a Coke Birmingham
- Google Search: Birmingham Alabama landmarks
- Bham Now: El Barrio Named Best Mexican Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham, Alabama
- BBC News: Birmingham Coca-Cola Campaign
- Google News: Birmingham food scene
- Bham Now: Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan

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.


