It’s not typical to celebrate restaurant openings with cameras, speeches and neighborhood dignitaries. But the ribbon-cutting ceremony of an Applebee’s restaurant in Five Points West isn’t a typical opening. It’s time to eat good in western Birmingham neighborhoods.
For more than 4 years, the residents of Five Points West have been waiting for the restaurant to open, a symbol of the revitalization and redevelopment taking place in west Birmingham. Quality Restaurant Concepts, LLC, began construction on the Applebees, delayed by land acquisitions, sewer lines, and other bureaucratic matters that irked impatient residents.
But on Monday, leaders of the Five Points West neighborhoods were all smiles as they stood with City Councilor Steven Hoyt, former Mayor Bernard Kincaid (the deal was made under his administration), a
nd Deborah Vance, Chief of Staff for current Mayor Larry Langford, who could not attend the event.
The restaurant represents a $1.6 million investment in the western part of Birmingham, that has seen an expanded Schaeffer Eye Center, a UPS store, and other businesses open in the area recently. It also created 140 jobs for residents, and taxes for the city.
It also represents pride for residents, who say they want nice restaurants and other amenities in their own community so they don’t have to drive to over-the-mountain communities to eat at a name-brand eatery.
Hear comments from:
Councilman Steven Hoyt mp3
General Manager Eric Golden mp3
