Cajian
Fast-casual Cajun and Creole counter-service restaurant opening Saturday August 8, 2026 in the former Clean Eatz space on University Boulevard in downtown Tuscaloosa. Concept from restaurateur Pete Zimmer (CIA graduate) and New Orleans-born food truck operator Paige Blankley. Menu features gumbo, étouffée, po’boys, drunken chicken, red beans, debris fries, and rotating specialty nights. Quick-casual batch-cooking […]
Aloft Hotel by Marriott
Madison City Council approved a development agreement with Madison Hotel VI, LLC to build a 108-room Aloft Hotel by Marriott near Toyota Field in Town Madison. The hotel will also include a mini-golf course. The project is tied to the city hosting the SEC Softball Championship for four years beginning in 2027. No specific opening […]
Alum Tuscaloosa
Alum is a new luxury college-town hospitality concept backed by Derek Jeter. The Tuscaloosa debut property will be a 116,000-sq-ft development near the University of Alabama featuring 68 luxury condo-hotel units, a private members’ club, rooftop lounge, dining, meetings/events space, and a pool. Groundbreaking expected in coming weeks as of Aug 2026. No opening date […]
Raising Cane’s
Tuscaloosa’s first standalone Raising Cane’s location opening on August 24, 2026 at the corner of McFarland and 13th Street. Previously the site of Made in Mexico, military recruiting centers, and a closed Wing Zone. Part of a seven-restaurant nationwide expansion celebrating Cane’s 30th anniversary. A grand opening celebration is expected with details to be announced.
Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant and Bar
Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant and Bar announced a new franchise location in Trussville, AL (Jefferson County). The chain is known for cocktails, spirits, steaks, seafood, and Southwestern dishes. No specific opening date was provided. Two additional Missouri locations were also announced. The franchise already has existing Alabama locations in Alabaster and Hoover.
AC Hotel and Element Hotel (dual-branded)
Dual-branded AC Hotel and Element Hotel development converting the historic Brown Marx Tower into 338 guest rooms with additional amenities. Construction is actively underway with road closures in effect. Northbound lane of 20th Street North closed; southbound lane closure planned for a later phase.
Aloft Hotel by Marriott (Town Madison)
Madison City Council approved a development agreement with Madison Hotel VI, LLC to build a 108-room Aloft Hotel by Marriott near Toyota Field in Town Madison. The hotel will also include a mini-golf course. Development is tied to the city hosting the SEC Softball Championship starting in 2027.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is opening its first Dothan location on July 27, 2026, at 3370 Ross Clark Circle. This is the eighth Alabama location for the Louisiana-inspired sports bar and restaurant chain. Grand opening ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. with ribbon-cutting at 10:45 a.m. and doors open at 11 a.m. First 100 guests have a […]
Sweet Paris Creperie & Café
Sweet Paris Creperie & Café is expected to open a 2,600-square-foot location at Bridge Street Town Centre in fall 2026. The café will serve sweet and savory crepes, waffles, bowls, French-inspired breakfast and lunch items, coffee drinks, and alcoholic beverages including mimosas, wine and champagne. North Italia (winter 2026, 6,700 sq ft Italian) and Shake […]
Shake Shack
Shake Shack opening its first Huntsville location and second in Alabama at Bridge Street Town Centre. 3,400 sq ft restaurant with outdoor patio, slated to open in 2027. Will serve full menu including burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, milkshakes, frozen custard, hot dogs, lemonades, craft beer and wine.