Birmingham, AL, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham welcomes a new culinary experience with the opening of Johin’na, a unique Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant. Set to launch on August 1, Johin’na combines bold global flavors with Southern comfort. The restaurant features themed dining spaces and a creative menu designed by Alabama natives Ashley and Amber Jackson, integrating local ingredients into Asian-inspired dishes. Reservations for the opening day are already fully booked, reflecting high community interest.
Birmingham welcomes a new culinary experience with the opening of Johin’na, a Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant set to launch on Friday, August 1. Located at 2002 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, Johin’na aims to blend bold global flavors with Southern soul, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic for diners.
Designed for various occasions such as date nights, birthdays, and casual outings, Johin’na is led by head chef Ashley Jackson and her sister Amber, both Alabama natives. Their diverse culinary experiences include time spent living in Bali, London, Los Angeles, and Pakistan, and these influences are showcased throughout the restaurant’s menu. The sisters emphasize a cooking philosophy that merges technical finesse with traditional Southern comfort.
The interior of Johin’na features design elements that pay homage to the sisters’ bond. Among these is a Pisces symbol representing their zodiac sign. The restaurant offers three themed dining spaces: the Sakura Room, the Pagoda Room, and the Kurama Room. The Sakura Room, the largest of the three, includes a color-changing cherry blossom tree. The Pagoda Room boasts a full sushi bar, neon lighting, and a mural that depicts a pagoda. The Kurama Room is designed to be cozy, facing 2nd Avenue, providing an intimate dining experience.
To enhance the atmosphere, vibrant murals inspired by traditional Japanese art adorn the walls, and decor features paper umbrellas suspended from the ceiling. Johin’na’s menu creatively integrates Southern ingredients—such as fried okra and fried green tomatoes—into Asian-inspired dishes. A notable item on the menu includes pork belly bao buns, inspired by Southern and Korean barbecue. Complementing these dishes are signature cocktails, including a sake sangria made with fresh fruit.
Due to high interest, reservations for opening day have already been booked. Johin’na is located within the Frank building, which recently underwent a $40 million renovation. The building was originally constructed in 1903 as the First National Bank Building. Birmingham City Council has authorized financial and tax incentives for Johin’na under the city’s RISE program, supporting the restaurant’s establishment in the community.
Key Features of Johin’na
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 2002 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Opening Date | August 1 |
| Head Chefs | Ashley Jackson and Amber Jackson |
| Culinary Inspirations | Bali, London, Los Angeles, Pakistan |
| Themed Dining Spaces | Sakura Room, Pagoda Room, Kurama Room |
| Notable Dishes | Pork belly bao buns, fried okra |
| Signature Cocktails | Sake sangria |
| Building History | Former First National Bank Building, renovated for $40 million |
| Financial Support | RISE program incentives from Birmingham City Council |
FAQ
When does Johin’na open?
Johin’na is set to open to the public on Friday, August 1.
Where is Johin’na located?
Johin’na is located at 2002 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203.
Who are the chefs behind Johin’na?
Johin’na is led by head chef Ashley Jackson and her sister Amber, both Alabama natives.
What is the restaurant’s cooking philosophy?
The sisters emphasize a cooking philosophy that blends technical finesse with Southern comfort.
What themed dining spaces does Johin’na offer?
Johin’na features three themed dining spaces: the Sakura Room, the Pagoda Room, and the Kurama Room.
What kind of dishes can diners expect?
The menu creatively incorporates Southern ingredients like fried okra, fried green tomatoes, and Alabama white sauce into Asian-inspired dishes.
Is there a signature cocktail?
Johin’na offers signature cocktails like sake sangria made with fresh fruit.
Has Johin’na received any financial support?
Johin’na is part of the Frank building, which underwent a $40 million renovation, and the Birmingham City Council authorized financial and tax incentives for Johin’na under the city’s RISE program.
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now: Inside Downtown Birmingham’s Newest Dining Experience, Johin’na Opens August 1
- AL.com: Birmingham Upscale Japanese Restaurant Sets Opening Date
- Bham Now: First Look of Johin’na – A Peek Inside the Upcoming Japanese-Southern Fusion Restaurant
- Style Blueprint: New Restaurants in Birmingham
- Google Search: Johinna Birmingham Restaurant
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.
