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Birmingham Celebrates the Opening of Alicia’s Coffee

Guests enjoying a warm atmosphere at Alicia's Coffee, nestled in the historic A.G. Gaston Motel.

News Summary

On February 25, 2025, Birmingham, Alabama, marked a significant day with the grand opening of Alicia’s Coffee at the historic A.G. Gaston Motel. This café serves not only as a place for coffee lovers but also as a testament to community resilience and spirit, fostering connections in a landmark rich with civil rights history. The grand opening was attended by city officials and local leaders who highlighted the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and preserving community ties.

Birmingham Welcomes Alicia’s Coffee at Historic A.G. Gaston Motel

On February 25, 2025, the charming city of Birmingham, Alabama, celebrated a momentous occasion—the grand opening of Alicia’s Coffee at the iconic A.G. Gaston Motel. This café is not just a place to grab your morning brew; it symbolizes a heartfelt commitment to forging community bonds in a historic landmark critical to the civil rights movement.

The Heart of a Community

The A.G. Gaston Motel, established in 1954 by the notable Black businessman A.G. Gaston, served as a vital meeting point for key civil rights leaders during the 1960s. A place rich with stories and a legacy that still resonates, the motel has been rejuvenated with a hefty investment of $10 million from the City of Birmingham. To top it off, a generous $1.1 million from the Mellon Foundation helped build Alicia’s Coffee and other facilities, revitalizing this crucial site for future generations.

As people gathered for the opening, spirits were high. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, as attendees looked forward to what this café would bring to the table. Alicia’s Coffee promises a charming gathering space where locals and visitors can connect, share ideas, and foster dialogue. It aims to be more than just a coffee shop; it aspires to be a fortress of community spirit.

A Healing Space for Everyone

Alicia’s Coffee is founded by Naimah Alicia Elmore and Rashad Harrell, who envision their café as a “healing place” and a “safe space” for people of all ages and races. They strongly believe that coffee shops can facilitate essential conversations and create stronger community ties. Inside the café, guests can immerse themselves in a welcoming atmosphere, echoing the motel’s rich history while nurturing hopes for the future.

The unique menu features delectable baked goods from local African-American baker Amber’s Dessert, weaving in a taste of community with every bite. One of the showstopper drinks, named “Room 30,”b>, pays homage to the motel’s storied “War Room,” where civil rights pioneers strategized for change.

Community Leaders Show Their Support

The grand opening was graced by Mayor Randall Woodfin and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, both of whom expressed the importance of the motel’s legacy in promoting generational wealth and supporting Black-owned businesses. Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn reinforced this sentiment, highlighting the economic health that Black entrepreneurship brings to the city.

A poignant moment during the celebration came from Leverne Holbdy, a guest who shared her connection to the motel, remembering her father’s visit there when she was just a child. Listening to stories like hers carries the weight of history and the promise of progress.

A Historical Footprint

The A.G. Gaston Motel, which earned the distinction of a National Historic Site in 2017 from President Barack Obama, now stands as an integral part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. The café not only adds to its allure but also ensures that the works of great leaders—like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—will never fade from memory. Inside the revitalized dining room, a permanent exhibit dedicated to Dr. A.G. Gaston’s transformative life unfolds a narrative that continues to inspire generations.

Alicia’s Coffee opens its doors daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing a dedicated space for residents and visitors to gather, converse, and connect in a place steeped in historic significance. As the community embraces this lovely new addition, there’s an undeniable sense that Alicia’s Coffee is bound to become a cherished landmark, threading together the past and the future while nurturing bonds in a vibrant, diverse tapestry.

In this revitalized space, the café’s founders express heartfelt gratitude for the community support that made this dream a reality, signaling bright mornings filled with hope and connection at Alicia’s Coffee.