Birmingham, July 24, 2025
News Summary
Epice, a new Lebanese restaurant located in the Hardwick building along Birmingham’s Rotary Trail, offers a rich menu of authentic flavors. Owner Maher Fawaz has opened the restaurant to positive feedback just two months after its grand opening. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients, many sourced locally, bringing the taste of Lebanon to the heart of the city, while improving the local culinary scene.
Exciting New Flavors in Birmingham: Meet Epice
In the heart of Birmingham, the culinary scene just got a delicious boost with the grand opening of a new Lebanese restaurant called Epice. Located in the beautifully renovated Hardwick building along the scenic Rotary Trail, Epice has been delighting local diners since it opened its doors two months ago. Owner Maher Fawaz, who also runs three other restaurants in Nashville, has brought a taste of Lebanon right to our city, and the feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.
A Transformative Experience Along the Rotary Trail
For those unfamiliar with the Rotary Trail, this vibrant four-block section opened back in 2016 thanks to a $3 million renovation project led by the Birmingham Rotary Club, Freshwater Land Trust, and a few other partners. Once a forgotten railroad cut, the trail has now become a lively space enticing dog walkers, bikers, and out-of-town visitors to explore.
Rusha Smith, the Executive Director of Freshwater, highlighted the Hardwick building as the last of the new or renovated structures to make its debut in the area. This addition is part of an even bigger vision—the Red Rock Trail System, which aims to develop hundreds of miles of trails across Jefferson County to connect various neighborhoods and attractions.
Why Trails Matter
Improving use of trails is crucial as it promotes safety and creates opportunities for community gatherings. These gatherings often lead to the growth of local businesses and living spaces. However, not every trail-related project has been smooth sailing. A proposed development in nearby Homewood faced community backlash and was withdrawn, emphasizing the need for careful planning and open communication with residents.
Ensuring Trail Usability and Connectivity
Trail user Theodora Fancher noted the need for improved maintenance, suggesting that regular upkeep would enhance user experience significantly. Bennetta Wyatt also chimed in, asking for added amenities like garbage cans and refreshment stations to encourage more people to enjoy the trails. Smith mentioned that while funding for urban trails can be difficult to secure, it’s essential for the continued evolution and connectivity of the trail system.
The City of Birmingham has made significant progress by acquiring the rights to a rail line, allowing Freshwater to develop the Valley Creek Trail, further linking various trails to the expansive Red Mountain Park.
A Feast for the Senses
At Epice, guests can expect a menu rich in authentic Lebanese flavors. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients, sourcing many locally and others directly from Lebanon. With classic dishes such as hummus, falafel, and a selection of delightful Lebanese wines, Epice is sure to become a staple among locals and visitors alike.
Currently, Epice is open for lunch daily, and there’s talk of expanding their hours to include brunch and dinner, which is sure to excite food lovers looking for new dining options.
Looking Towards the Future
The future looks bright for both Epice and Birmingham’s growing culinary landscape. With the successes Fawaz has experienced in Nashville, he’s considering bringing even more restaurant concepts to our wonderful city. This kind of growth not only enhances our dining options but also contributes to the overall economic vitality of the Birmingham metro area.
As projects continue to unfold, it’s clear that expanding greenspaces and improving trail networks are priorities invested in enhancing the quality of life for every Birmingham resident.
FAQs
1. What type of cuisine does Epice serve?
Epice specializes in Lebanese cuisine, offering a variety of traditional dishes made with fresh local and imported ingredients.
2. Where is Epice located?
Epice is located in the Hardwick building along Birmingham’s Rotary Trail.
3. What are the operating hours for Epice?
Currently, Epice is open for lunch daily and will soon expand to include brunch and dinner.
4. What is the Rotary Trail?
The Rotary Trail is a revitalized four-block section in Birmingham that promotes recreation and community engagement, transforming a former railroad cut into a vibrant space.
5. What is the Red Rock Trail System?
The Red Rock Trail System is an initiative aiming to create hundreds of miles of interconnected trails across Jefferson County, enhancing outdoor activity and connectivity in the region.
Key Features of Epice and the Rotary Trail
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Hardwick building along the Rotary Trail |
| Cuisine | Traditional Lebanese dishes |
| Operating Hours | Lunch daily; brunch and dinner coming soon |
| Rotary Trail | Revitalized area for outdoor recreation |
| Red Rock Trail System | Connecting trails across Jefferson County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Welcomes Eight New Restaurants and Bars
New Dining Options Abound in Birmingham with Multiple Openings
Birmingham City Council Approves Liquor Licenses for New Restaurants
Additional Resources
- Bham Now: New Lebanese Bistro Epice Now Open on Rotary Trail in Birmingham
- AL.com: 5 Birmingham Developer Projects Getting People Outside in 2024
- WBRC: Changes to Birmingham’s Rotary Trail
- AL.com: Then & Now: Magic City Rotary Trail Sign
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
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.
