Foodies, get ready
Construction work has started on downtown’s newest restaurant, a venture of Tom Saab (managing chef at the Cheesecake Factory in Birmingham) and Joey McClure Commercial Real Estate. Located in a 20th Street storefront between 2nd and 3rd Avenues North (above), a peek at a preliminary menu promises a French/Low Country riff with items such as crab cake sliders, chicken and mushroom crepes, and chocolate souffle. The interior has been designed by LCS Designs, and will have a full bar. Lunch and dinner (both table service) are slated to start later in the fall.
…and possibly one more
Around the corner, rumor has it that the Meelheim Building (above, 2nd Avenue North between 20th and Richard Arrington) is being eyed by new tenants: a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, and event space upstairs. This restaurant would also serve both lunch and dinner.
They didn’t advertise like this in the 1920’s
And around the other corner on 3rd Avenue North between 20th and 19th Streets, the Speakeasy bar (rear signage, above) is poised to change hands, get renovated, and reopen as a bar/lounge with event space above. We’re big fans of the sign on the alley facade, and hope the new owners have an equally compelling graphics package.
Part of 21st century urban vibrancy
Finally, while on the topic of food and drink, the Birmingham City Council mercifully delayed consideration of new regulations for food trucks yesterday. These regulations would particularly affect those trucks that regularly serve downtown; other cities (a food truck in downtown Washington, DC, above) have managed to find equitable ways to regulate this dynamic, growing movement. In our opinion, food trucks and “bricks-and-mortar” restaurants complement each other and are two totally different business models. They should both be encouraged to thrive, not hampered with excessive regulation or pitted against one another. More restaurants, more bars, and more food trucks make us happy.
[thanks to mrTinDC for the food truck photo]
Bhamarchitect's Blog 
What about the rumor of the bar going in the old Subway space? That rumor has been floating around for months.
We are actually working on the design for that project. Nothing I announce yet, but hopefully very soon! Thanks.
Would you happen to know what is going into a vacant building on 22nd street south between 5th and 6th Ave? It is across the street from the John N. Whitaker building. Love the blog! Keep up the good work!
That will be a new bar/entertainment complex with regular musical acts. Thanks for reading!
Awesome. That’s all I have to say.
We were talking about this at work yesterday. I think brick & mortar restaurants and food trucks DO compliment each other. And if there is some competition, the b&m’s should view it as such – competition – free enterprise working. Rather than asking for special restrictions, they should be saying “bring it!” and make sure their customers and potential customers know what they do that’s different and play that up.
Agreed. Thanks.
Jeremy, you have made my day!!!
So glad! Thanks.
There is a very basic issue with food trucks. Retail needs visibility, and if food trucks block views from the street they will damage those who pay rent, taxes, etc. This is not a simple issue of free competition.