Birmingham Community Mourns Local Hospitality Icon Nadia Bajalieh

News Summary

The Birmingham community is grieving the passing of Nadia Ayda Bajalieh, a beloved figure known for her contributions to local hospitality and culinary culture. Nadia, who played a significant role in the city’s gastronomic landscape through establishments like Sol’s Sandwich Shop & Deli and Slice Pizza & Brew, passed away on March 8, 2025, after a battle with breast cancer. Her legacy of resilience and love for her family has left an indelible mark on Birmingham, as community members come together to honor her memory.

Birmingham Community Mourns the Loss of Nadia Bajalieh, a Pillar of Local Hospitality

Birmingham, Alabama—The community is grieving the loss of Nadia Ayda Bajalieh, the beloved matriarch of the Bajalieh family, who passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 78 after a brave battle with breast cancer. Her legacy, deeply intertwined with Birmingham’s rich gastronomic landscape, leaves a lasting impact on not only her family but also the residents and businesses of this vibrant city.

A Legacy of Hospitality and Resilience

Nadia Bajalieh was born in 1946 in Ramallah, Palestine, and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of three, eventually settling in Jacksonville, Florida. It was there that she met her husband, Saleh “Sol” Bajalieh, at a Middle Eastern social event, marrying in 1971. The couple dedicated their lives to creating a welcoming culinary haven in Birmingham.

For nearly 25 years, the Bajaliehs operated Sol’s Sandwich Shop & Deli in the basement of downtown Birmingham’s John Hand Building, serving homemade meals that became staples for locals. Following the closure of the deli in 1994 due to the sale of the building, they pivoted to manage the cafeteria at U.S. Pipe and Foundry in Collegeville.

After the tragic passing of Sol from a heart attack in 2004, Nadia’s strength and perseverance became apparent as she held the family together during this challenging period. This resilience paved the way for the reopening of Sol’s Sandwich Shop & Deli in 2008 by her sons, as a tribute to their father, and later led to the establishment of Slice Pizza & Brew in Birmingham’s Lakeview District in 2011, where Nadia contributed significantly to menu development and culinary creativity.

A Community Impact and Recognitions

Under the guidance of Nadia and her sons, particularly her eldest son, Jeff Bajalieh, Slice Pizza & Brew gained recognition and earned multiple awards prior to its closure in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant became not just a business, but a community hub where residents gathered to enjoy hearty meals and share memories.

Jeff, who tragically passed away in December 2021, was considered a strong leader for the family, embodying the principles instilled in him by Nadia. The familial bond and shared commitment to honoring their father’s legacy are reflected in the contributions and collaborative spirit established by the Bajaliehs.

Personal Challenges and Community Connection

Following Jeff’s death, Nadia rallied to support her remaining sons, Jason and Chris, providing emotional support during a time of profound grief. Her own cancer diagnosis in early 2022 posed another challenge, as she maintained her determination to fight while constantly reinforcing the family’s unity. Her cooking, characterized by treasured recipes held in memory rather than written down, remained a vital connection to her family and the community.

Nadia’s legacy extends beyond her culinary prowess to the values she instilled within her family, evoking respect and admiration. Her poignant final moments, including a symbolic message about sending an eagle to watch over her family, resonate with those who knew her well.

Policy Ramifications and Community Support

The Bajalieh family’s story highlights the importance of local businesses in creating supportive communities. The Bajalieh brothers’ efforts to keep their family’s culinary heritage alive underscore the need for supportive policies that foster entrepreneurship in Birmingham, especially in the wake of the pandemic. As local restaurants struggle to recover, initiatives aimed at promoting small businesses and ensuring their sustainability are critical for the community’s vitality.

The passing of Nadia Bajalieh is not only a loss for her family but a poignant reminder of the connections that local establishments foster within Birmingham. The community continues to mourn the matriarch, whose resilient spirit and culinary legacy will remain cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• AL.com: Remembering Nadia Bajalieh
• Wikipedia: Restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama
• AL.com: Remembering Jeff Bajalieh
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hospitality
• Google Search: Nadia Bajalieh obituary