21 of Huntsville’s biggest openings of the year–restaurants, retail + more

New business openings were happening all over the Huntsville area in 2023, and we’ve kept up with the best and biggest. Here’s our list of the 21 biggest openings in the Rocket City this year.

Restaurant openings

There are so many delicious restaurants to try in the Huntsville/Madison area, and we welcome all new options. Here are our favorite restaurant openings from 2023:

• Hound + Harvest: From the creators of Hippea Camper, a popular plant based food truck, Hound + Harvest was born. This cafe and bistro with a huge vegan menu opened in January.
• Big Spoon Creamery: This delicious ice cream that started in Birmingham opened its doors in Huntsville this June.
• Condado Tacos: Tacos anyone? This one-of-a-kind taco, tequila and margarita spot had us on the edge of our seat when they announced a Huntsville location last March. Their grand opening took place just a few weeks ago, and it’s worth a visit!
• Lanier House: Madison’s premiere tea room opened in January and captivated locals. Their rotating menu and multiple courses makes this beauty one of town’s most unique places to dine.
• The Peppered Pig: Another January opening, The Peppered Pig finally moved from food truck to restaurant this year, and their bulgogi burger is one of the best burger’s I’ve ever tried.
• Back Forty Beer Company: With locations already in Gadsden and Birmingham, it just made sense that Back Forty would open a Huntsville location too. The brewery opened this December near John Hunt Park.
• Dashu Japanese Cuisine and Bar: Opened in March, Dashu serves incredible sushi and hibachi off of Airport Road.
• Jeff + Blues: Apollo Park’s premier destination for great music and even greater drinks opened this April.
• Biscuit Belly: The popular biscuit restaurant that started in Kentucky opened its first North Alabama location in March.
• City Bowls: Vestavia Hills in Birmingham was home to the first City Bowls, but the Alabama business opened its Huntsville location in October.
• Miso Happy: Located in the building formerly home to EDO Japanese Restaurant, Miso Happy opened in August with ramen, sushi and poke bowls on their menu.
• Starbucks: Like it or not, Starbucks had a big year around Madison County. New locations opened at Clift Farms and MidCity. Plus, new locations are opening next year in Harvest, Hays Farm and downtown Huntsville.

Local business openings

Local businesses make a community special, so here are a few that grabbed our attention this year.

• Mojana Soaps: Find it in the small business shops at Clinton Row in Downtown Huntsville, Mojana Soaps is the perfect stop for any bath or shower lover.
• Lauren Kenzie: Shop this woman-owned small business at Stovehouse when you’re searching for your next piece of jewelry.
• Rocket City E-Bikes: What better way to explore the Rocket City than by renting an E-Bike?
• Huntsville Pet Resort: The locally owned Huntsville Pet Resort opened this March.

Other business openings

All business is good business, so here are a few big names that opened up shop in town too.

• BJ’s Wholesale Club: Perhaps the biggest opening of the year, BJ’s Wholesale Club opened right before Thanksgiving to tremendous fanfare. This is the first Alabama store for the Massachusetts based company.
• Lowe’s Outlet: This store opened in September and offers up to 70% off big ticket items like top brand scratch-and-dent appliances, patio furniture and grills.
• Floor + Decor: With so many people moving to Huntsville, it’s no wonder the Atlanta-based Floor + Decor opened its Madison location in May.
• The ARK Pet Spa: Even exotic pets are welcome at The ARK Pet Spa which opened this October.
• Vans: Fans of Vans, the popular shoe brand, rejoiced when their location at Bridge Street opened in June.

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