Let's Get Sweaty

Good morning Birmingham!

This week, Birmingham perfectly embodies the Magic City spirit—honoring our rich past while boldly embracing the future. As we celebrate exciting new business openings and major economic developments that signal our city's continued growth, we're also taking time to groove to throwback beats and hunt for vintage treasures that remind us where we came from.

It's this unique blend of progress and nostalgia that makes Birmingham so special—a city that never forgets its roots while constantly reaching for new heights.

Let’s get to it.

Remember to follow us on Facebook | Instagram!

♨️ Sponsored by Sweathouz

🔥 Cold. Hot. Glow.
Grand Opening – August 1st

Welcome to Swhtz, a luxury contrast therapy studio specializing in the deliberate exposure to heat and cold — a scientifically backed method proven to elevate both physical and mental well-being.

Guests can enjoy up to 60 minutes in one of their private, high-end contrast therapy suites, each designed for total restoration and comfort. Every suite includes:

• 🔥 Infrared Sauna – Deep heat to detox, relax, and boost circulation

• 💧 Vitamin-C Shower – A refreshing rinse that filters chlorine and infuses skin-loving vitamin C

• ❄️ Cold Plunge – A powerful reset for mind and body

Each suite also features full entertainment — watch TV, listen to music, or unplug and meditate. This is your time, your space, your recovery.

Suites are reservation-based, and new clients can easily book through the Sweathouz app.

My own experience at Swhtz was incredible — the staff was kind, knowledgeable, and made the whole visit feel spa-like and seamless. I walked in sore from boxing the day before, and walked out feeling completely reset. No soreness. Just clarity and calm.

Want the founding member rate? Sign up before August 1st to lock it in!

📍 4317 Dolly Ridge Rd #217 Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
🔗 www.sweathouz.com | @sweathouz

Get ready to time-travel back to the most awesome decades! The Totally Rad Vintage Fest is hitting Birmingham's BJCC East Exhibit Hall on August 2nd for what promises to be a "totally tubular experience."

Picture this: vintage vendors slinging authentic 80s, 90s, and Y2K clothing and accessories alongside toys, home goods, and nostalgic treasures. You can unleash your inner gamer at the Free-Play Vintage Arcade, explore the Rad Rewind Museum packed with retro relics, and strike some seriously rad poses at throwback photo ops.

It's basically a shopping spree meets time machine, where neon colors and scrunchies reign supreme, and everyone's invited to relive the glory days when flip phon

es were cutting-edge technology! Perfect for anyone who misses the days when "radical" was the ultimate compliment. (link)

Coming soon - Grand Opening 8.1.2025

🍣 JOHIN’NA
Birmingham's dining scene just got an exciting upgrade with Johin'na opening on August 1st at 2002 2nd Ave. N. in The Frank! This upscale newcomer is creating serious buzz by combining the precision of Japanese cuisine with the warmth of Southern hospitality, bringing a unique fusion experience to downtown.

Chef Ashley Jackson and her sister Amber have created an atmosphere that's as stunning as the food - think three distinct dining rooms including the Instagram-worthy Sakura Room with its gorgeous light-up cherry blossom tree and circular marble bar.

The restaurant promises everything from fresh sushi to chef-led tastings, all delivered with that signature Southern charm. Fair warning though - opening day reservations are already fully booked, so you'll want to act fast to secure your spot at Birmingham's hottest new culinary destination!

🏪 Costco Officially Coming to Irondale

Big news for Birmingham-area shoppers: Costco announced it's coming to Irondale, making it Alabama's sixth location and the second in central Alabama after Hoover.

Mayor James Stewart revealed the exciting development during a packed city council meeting on Tuesday, calling it a "defining moment" for the city of just over 13,500 residents. The massive $105 million project will feature a 152,000 square-foot warehouse and gas station at the corner of Grants Mill Road and I-459, representing the largest economic investment in Irondale since the luxury auto mall opened.

After nearly five years of negotiations, the deal is expected to create 200-300 jobs and generate millions in annual sales tax revenue for the small city. While opening day reservations aren't available yet, the city and Costco have 330 days to finalize all the details before breaking ground on what residents are calling a game-changer for their community. (link)

🏥 UAB Achieves Top Mark Once Again

UAB Hospital has once again claimed the top spot as Alabama's best hospital according to U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best Hospitals rankings, marking an impressive 12 consecutive years of leading the state. The Birmingham medical center also secured the #1 ranking in the Birmingham metro area, further cementing its reputation for excellence.

This year's recognition is particularly noteworthy as UAB earned national rankings in five adult specialties, with rheumatology leading the way at #11 nationally and ear, nose and throat coming in at #14. Beyond these top-tier specialties, the hospital demonstrated "high-performing" status across seven additional specialties and 19 adult procedures and conditions.

CEO Dawn Bulgarella credited the hospital's unwavering commitment to exceptional care and innovative treatments, highlighting how this recognition reflects the dedication of UAB's physicians, nurses, and staff who serve nearly 2 million patients annually. For Birmingham residents, having such a world-class medical institution in their backyard is truly a treasure - it means access to cutting-edge treatments and specialists that many cities can only dream of, while also serving as a major source of pride and economic vitality for the Magic City. (link)

🌟 CEO of World’s Largest Bank Visits Alabama

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon made a stop at the bank's downtown Birmingham branch on Monday as part of his Southern Swing Bus Tour across five states. The 69-year-old banking titan, who leads the world's largest bank handling $10 trillion in daily transactions, sat down with employees in a casual blue shirt and jeans to field questions and get ground-level feedback.

Dimon emphasized his goal of making Chase the #1 bank in Alabama, following the company's pledge to triple its Alabama branches to 24 locations by 2030. During the visit, he shared his cautiously optimistic economic outlook, noting that while the U.S. has achieved a "soft landing," he remains in a "heightened state of alert" about future uncertainties including inflation and market complacency.

Dimon stressed the importance of fighting corporate bureaucracy and maintaining honest communication, warning that companies die when they start serving CEOs instead of clients. Always great to see larger institutions invested in Birmingham’s success! (link)

🎡 Magic City Carnival | Cahaba Brewery | 08/02 | More
Games, fair food, live music, and a silent auction all in support of the Pathway shelter for women and children experience homelessness.

🍕 Party on the Patio | Troup’s Pizza | 07/31 | More
Live music, great pizza, and plenty of kids running around at a neighborhood favorite!

🚒 Touch-A-Truck | North Shelby Baptist Church | 08/03 | More
Fire trucks, equipment trucks, and food trucks for a family fun event!

🎒 Back 2 School Bash for Educators | Avondale Brewing | 07/31 | More
Connect with educators while enjoying food trucks, games, and a family friendly atmosphere

🍹 Scavenger Hunt | 800 28th St N | 07/31 | More
Family friendly virtual scavenger hunt right from your phone!

🎙️ Rod Stewart: One Last Time | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 08/02 | More 
Legendary Singer behind “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” stopping in Bham on his farewell tour!

🧸 Power on the Line Festival | City Walk | 08/02 | More
Musical festival headlined by Pynk Beard to inspire action for strengthening democracy across the state!

🎸 Jerry Garcia Birthday Celebration | Elysian Gardens | 08/01 | More
Celebrating and honoring the legendary guitarist with live music from Dead for Love!

🎥 Steel Magnolia Movie Night | Sidewalk Film Center | 07/31 | More
A free screening of this classic film presented by Birmingham Aids Outreach (BAO)

🪄 Magic City Mingle | Birmingham District Brewing | 08/05 | More
Speed mingle rounds in a fun and relaxed atmosphere made for genuine connections!