Sports Illustrated Resort
First-ever Sports Illustrated college resort, groundbreaking held May 27, 2026 near Race Mine Road. Project concept began in 2020 and faced delays. Expected to bring hundreds of jobs. Part of a broader $84M city and $125M state investment in the area. Daniel Dienst also quoted as developer. Goal is to be fully open by summer […]
Choolaah Indian BBQ
Choolaah Indian BBQ is a fast casual Indian barbecue restaurant with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu options. Menu includes bowls, wraps, street food, and craft beverages. Currently has locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Opening this winter at The Summit shopping center in Birmingham, AL.
Retro
Neighborhood lounge and grill planned for Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood. Owner Rex Cole received retail liquor license from Birmingham City Council. Cole described it as a ‘neighborhood lounge and grill’ with cameras and security. No opening date announced yet as owner says ‘we have a few more hurdles to clear.’ Previous tenants at the location included […]
The Cattlemen’s Kitchen
Stockyard-inspired beef-focused restaurant opening in Moulton, AL. Menu includes Certified Angus Beef, USDA Prime dry-aged ribeye and filet cuts, hamburger steaks, burgers, Southern-style sides, and a salad bar. Owner Casey Hunter also operates Valley Stockyard. Target opening date is July 15 but may shift slightly. Opening coincides with the closure of Mel’s Steakhouse on June […]
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A plans to build a new restaurant in Wetumpka, AL at the Shoppes of Fort Toulouse at the intersection of U.S. 231 and Fort Toulouse Road. Mayor Jerry Willis announced the project via the city’s official social media. No construction timeline has been announced.
Barberitos
Barberitos signed a five-unit franchise agreement to expand into Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama markets under franchisee Kevin Gessert. Five additional systemwide openings expected before end of 2026. Brand currently operates 45 restaurants across the Southeast with a pipeline of 32 additional restaurants in development.
Beef O’Brady’s
Beef O’Brady’s sports-dining chain franchise announced coming to Tuscaloosa, AL later in 2026. Officially announced on their social media pages. Offers sports-dining experience with food, drinks, family-friendly atmosphere. Exact opening date TBD.
Choolaah Indian BBQ
Choolaah Indian BBQ is a fast casual Indian barbecue restaurant with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu options. Menu includes bowls, wraps, street food, and craft beverages. Currently has locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Opening this winter at The Summit shopping center in Birmingham, AL.
Retro
Neighborhood lounge and grill planned for Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood. Owner Rex Cole received retail liquor license from Birmingham City Council. Cole described it as a ‘neighborhood lounge and grill’ with cameras and security. No opening date announced yet as owner says ‘we have a few more hurdles to clear.’ Previous tenants at the location included […]
The Cattlemen’s Kitchen
Stockyard-inspired beef-focused restaurant opening in Moulton, AL. Menu includes Certified Angus Beef, USDA Prime dry-aged ribeye and filet cuts, hamburger steaks, burgers, Southern-style sides, and a salad bar. Owner Casey Hunter also operates Valley Stockyard. Target opening date is July 15 but may shift slightly. Opening coincides with the closure of Mel’s Steakhouse on June […]