Changes in Vestavia Hills: Restaurant Closes While New Retail and Medical Ventures Open

Changes in Vestavia Hills: New Beginnings and Closures

Vestavia Hills residents are witnessing notable changes in their community’s business landscape, including the closure of a recently opened restaurant and the arrival of new retail options.

Restaurant Closure

One of the significant developments is the permanent closure of The Hillside Music & Que, located at 633 Montgomery Highway, which had been in operation since July 2023. Originally opened as The Palm & Pig, specializing in seafood and barbecue, the establishment underwent a rebranding after one of the original partners departed the team. Unfortunately, the restaurant’s new identity lasted less than four months, as it closed its doors on Sunday, according to recent reports.

New Retail Ventures

While the community says goodbye to one dining option, several new businesses are making their way into Vestavia Hills. Earlier this month, a significant transaction occurred as The Retail Companies facilitated the $9.2 million sale of the fully leased Vestavia Hills Commons shopping center. This sale is paving the way for the popular tenant, Picklr, to take over the space formerly occupied by Sprouts. The grocery store had been vacant since it closed in December 2018.

The project marks a part of a public-private partnership involving the Vestavia Hills city government and the private development group Altera AIP-Vestavia, which aims to revitalize the area.

Amish Traditions Arrives

Another new retail addition is Vicki’s Amish Traditions, which officially opened on October 17. Located at 1401 Montgomery Highway, Suite 121, this store is the first metro location for the business, which previously had a presence in Millbrook. Shoppers can find a range of Amish products, including furniture and canned jams and jellies, along with items from local artisans.

Hardware Store Development

In other news, a new hardware store is set to emerge near Chuck E. Cheese. Public records indicate that DALK Land LP acquired a 1.08-acre parcel at 600 Old Town Road for $585,000. The site, which once housed the restaurant Ichiban, was left vacant following a fire in 2016. Plans are underway to construct a 10,000-square-foot Ace Hardware store, with construction expected to commence shortly. The project is anticipated to be completed in time for a spring opening.

Children’s Boutique Opens

Meanwhile, the Vestavia Hills City Center welcomed a new children’s boutique, Dear Emmaline LLC, which opened its doors in August. Located at 628 Montgomery Highway, the store is conveniently positioned near the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama DreamLab.

Medical Developments

The medical sector in Vestavia Hills is also seeing significant activity. A surgical dermatology practice, SmoothRock Surgery Center, sold for $10.32 million at its facility located at 1940 Stonegate Drive. Additionally, a new $8 million single-specialty surgery center is set to open; Parker Cornea will establish the Liberty Park Eye Center across the street from its current location at 3745 Corporate Woods Drive. They plan to perform advanced surgeries that necessitate higher levels of care.

Community Impact

These developments reflect a blend of new opportunities and transitions for the residents of Vestavia Hills. While the community bids farewell to The Hillside Music & Que, the emergence of new retail and healthcare options suggests a growing vibrancy in this bustling suburb.

As always, the Vestavia Hills community continues to adapt to changes, looking forward to what the future holds.