Saying Goodbye to Bham's Favorite Cat

Good morning Birmingham!

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the fireworks, and has the same amount of fingers they went into the weekend with. It’s always hard to to get back into the swing of things after a long weekend, but here we are with another weekly newsletter.

One idea I had is to keep a running list of upcoming music events across the city. That way everyone has time to plan for getting tickets ahead of time! I heard someone say the other day they had no idea Thomas Rhett was coming to the new Coca Cola Amphitheater until it was too late. This would give everyone a heads up several weeks in advance.

If that sounds like it would helpful, let us know by responding to this email and we will make it happen!

Let’s get to it.

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⭐️ Rojo Birmingham

Rojo is Highland Park's beloved neighborhood gem where Latin flavors meet American comfort food in the most delightfully casual way possible! Since 2002, this fast-casual spot has been the perfect place to unwind with friends over lunch, dinner, or drinks on their famous patio overlooking beautiful Rushton Park.

It's the kind of place where you order at the register like a pro, servers bring your food to the table, and weekend brunch from 11am to 3pm is practically a neighborhood institution. Dog lovers rejoice – your four-legged friends are welcome on the patio, making it prime real estate for people-watching while your pup soaks up the Highland Avenue scene.

Whether you're craving a killer burrito or just want to sip margaritas while watching the world go by, Rojo serves up that perfect blend of good food, good vibes, and that "I'm definitely coming back tomorrow" feeling that keeps Birmingham coming back for more!

🥕 Red Bird Produce

Red Bird Produce, a beloved locally-owned grocery store in Avondale, is closing its doors on July 12, 2025, after an 18-month run. Founded by West Coast transplant Casey Hobbs in November 2023, the small market specialized in offering quality, locally-sourced produce at affordable prices, working with over two dozen local farmers and supporting local coffee roasters, artists, and makers.

The store also housed Cha House, a local tea shop that opened a brick-and-mortar location inside Red Bird earlier this year. Despite Hobbs' efforts to keep the business afloat, he announced the difficult decision to close on Instagram, expressing pride in the store's mission to bring good food to Avondale while supporting local farmers.

The store will remain open with reduced hours until its final day, giving the community one last chance to support this unique local grocery concept.

🐈️ Khan the Jaguar Leaving Birmingham Zoo

Khan, the Birmingham Zoo's beloved 11-year-old jaguar, is moving to the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. The jaguar, who arrived in Birmingham from Jacksonville Zoo in 2017 and was named after the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, will help expand the jaguar population through breeding efforts at his new home.

After Khan's departure, the Birmingham Zoo will renovate the jaguar habitat in the Primate/South America Building, including reactivating the waterfall and making other improvements to prepare for a new jaguar arriving later this summer. Jaguars are considered a "Near Threatened" species with only about 173,000 remaining in the wild, making these conservation breeding programs crucial for the species' survival.

Zoo officials emphasized that while these transfers are difficult emotionally, they are essential for protecting the species and ensuring jaguars continue to thrive for future generations.

🥐 Birmingham Restaurant Week Celebrates Local Culinary Scene

Birmingham Restaurant Week is celebrating its 15th year as the city's premier dining event, bringing together locally owned restaurants, cafes, bars, food trucks, and catering companies throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties.

The 10-day culinary celebration offers special prix-fixe menus ranging from $5 to $50 per person, making Birmingham's diverse dining scene accessible and affordable for everyone. The event goes beyond dining by addressing food insecurity and supporting the local community, recently donating $2,500 to The Community Kitchens of Birmingham.

Birmingham Restaurant Week features special events like the Preview Party and Sipology, where food lovers can sample unique dishes and meet the chefs who have put Birmingham on the global food map. Sponsored by Spire Alabama, the event serves as a platform to protect, promote, and support local businesses while uniting the community around the table. Start making plans now to attend and try some of Birmingham’s best culinary offerings! (link)

🚗 ALDOT Overnight Lane Closures on I-65 for Asphalt Repairs

The Alabama Department of Transportation will conduct asphalt paving repairs on I-65 in Jefferson County starting July 7, 2025, working with contractor James Paving Company, LLC. The repairs will affect both northbound and southbound lanes between mileposts 259 and 271, covering multiple locations along this stretch of interstate.

Lane closures are scheduled from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night to minimize disruption to daytime traffic. The maintenance operation is expected to be completed by July 18, 2025, weather permitting. ALDOT is asking motorists to consider alternate routes, adjust travel times, and exercise extreme caution when driving through the work zones.

🦌 World Deer Expo | BJCC | 07/11-07/13 | More
The country's largest 3-day hunting/consumer show-this is about as Alabama as it gets!

🎵 R&B Nights | BJCC | 07/12 | More
Grammy-nominated R&B artist Joe performs live at the BJCC!

🤼‍♂️ WWE Monday Night Raw | BJCC | 07/14 | More
WWE Monday Night RAW returns to Birmingham!

🏎️ Mccalla Car Cruise | Colonial Promenade | 07/12 |
Come admire the city’s best classic cars and hot rods followed by an organized cruise!

🎸 The Stolen Faces - Grateful Dead Tribute | Avondale Brewing | 07/12 | More
Avondale Brewing hosts The Stolen Faces at “Christmas in July”

🍺 Maker’s Market | Bham District Brewing | 07/13 | More
Local market celebrating creativity from local makers and artists!

❤️‍🔥 Love Island Finale Watch Party | Avondale Brewing | 07/13 | More
Beer, cocktails, and drama from the villa on the biggest screen in town!

💥 Magic City Comic Con | Wynfrey Hotel Galleria | 07/11-07/13 | More
3 day pop culture comic con in the heart of Hoover!

🥁 Girls Rock Showcase | Saturn Birmingham | 07/12 | More
An original rock n roll show from the girls in this year’s Girls Rock program!

🥁 SixtiesMania | Lyric Theatre | 07/12 | More
A musical journey through the Sixties!