Birmingham Prepares for the Grand Opening of Armour House
Excitement is building in Birmingham as the new neighborhood brasserie and raw bar, Armour House, is set to open its doors on November 8. Located in the historic Armour & Co. building, which dates back to 1911, the restaurant aims to blend the rich history of the structure with a modern dining experience.
Meet the Team Behind Armour House
At the helm of this new hotspot is Executive Chef Jeffrey Compton, alongside his wife, Kristen Manolio Compton, who serves as the events and marketing manager. The couple made their way to Birmingham from Auburn, where they worked at the acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant Acre, owned by “Iron Chef Showdown” champion David Bancroft.
Jeffrey, originally from Destin, Florida, and Kristen, who grew up in the Oak Mountain area, have returned to Birmingham with a vision. “We want to be a great restaurant in the best city,” Kristen expressed. She emphasized their goal is to inspire the local food scene rather than compete against it. “There’s just so much to love and experience here,” she added, highlighting the city’s potential for culinary growth.
A Look Inside the Historic Building
The Armour & Co. building, which once served as a processing facility for meatpackers, has undergone extensive renovations led by Christopher Architecture & Interiors and Blackstone Construction. The design pays homage to the building’s history, featuring original tiled brick flooring, expansive windows, and wood tables crafted from repurposed materials.
“You’ll see design nods to the beef industry that was once part of this space,” said Kristen, noting that elements like the lacquered mirror arch in the bar area directly reflect the building’s past.
Dining Experience at Armour House
Guests can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere with outdoor seating for approximately 60 diners along the bustling First Avenue North. Elegant trellises designed by CH Welding Custom Iron Work add a touch of European flair to the setting, complete with twinkling lights to enhance the ambiance.
Inside, the main dining room accommodates up to 120 guests, with the captivating feature of floor-to-ceiling windows allowing for a bright, airy feeling. Kristen noted that the original hardwood floors and windows add an intriguing character to the dining experience, ensuring a unique view of Birmingham’s vibrant streets.
The menu remains under wraps for now, but features such as Black Angus beef tenderloin and bluefin tuna crudo hint at a culinary treat awaiting patrons. The open kitchen layout also allows guests to experience the excitement of the culinary team at work.
The Exclusive Raw Bar and Cocktail Lounge
A centerpiece of Armour House will be its intimate raw bar, featuring five seats where patrons can watch the chefs in action. “Nothing is more exciting than witnessing the teamwork and communication in a bustling kitchen,” shared Kristen. The bar will offer fresh seafood delicacies showcased in the glass-and-stainless-steel dry-age lockers installed in the restaurant.
Beyond the dining room lies Pogo, a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge situated in the basement, opening later this month on November 22. Guests enter through a secret passageway, adding a fun twist to the overall experience at Armour House. The unique name for the lounge comes from a toy pogo stick found in the space during renovations, which creatively marks the entrance.
Join the Celebration
Birmingham residents are invited to experience the rich history and culinary innovation that Armour House promises to deliver. The restaurant will officially open on Friday, November 8, at 2309 First Ave. North, with more updates and information available on their website.
As the grand opening approaches, there’s a sense of anticipation among locals for what Armour House will contribute to Birmingham’s thriving food scene. For those looking to enjoy a unique dining experience steeped in history and a fresh culinary perspective, mark your calendars for this exciting launch.
