9 special places we will miss: which local businesses closed their doors in 2023

closed suzy's pops — One of the businesses we said goodbye to this year was Suzy’s Pops in Lowe Mill. (McCarley Northway / Hville Blast)

Several Huntsville businesses closed their doors this year while new places popped up on every corner. Today, we’re remembering 9 local businesses that will always hold a special place in our hearts.

1. Offbeat Coffee Studio

Offbeat Coffee Studio said goodbye after five years in business when it closed both its Campus 805 and Rideout Rd. locations.

The Campus 805 location housed a mini-record store and both locations served unique specials like the Galaxy Latte and Charred Grapefruit Espresso Soda.

Both locations closed on Aug. 21.

2. ToyBox Bistro

ToyBox Bistro closed its doors in July citing “the aftermath of Covid” as its main reason for shutting down.

The restaurant had been open for 7 years and featured unique menu items like “the PB & Yay,” a peanut butter, ghost pepper and bacon burger.

Though the sit-down restaurant has closed, in October ToyBox started taking orders through their Facebook page. You can still find ToyBox as a vendor at local markets.

3. Salty Nut Brewery

Local breweries, including Salty Nut, endured a difficult summer. The brewery opened in 2011, and Straight to Ale Brewery even purchased Salty Nut in 2020 to try and help it stay afloat. Unfortunately, it closed on July 31.

However, a new business has started to set up shop where the brewery used to be. It’s called Rocket City Dog Bar, and it shared on Reddit that its taproom will remain similar to Salty Nut’s.

The old backyard has been reconverted into a place for dogs and plan to turn the warehouse into an on-leash area.

4. Fractal Brewing Project

The announcement about Fractal Brewing’s closing came at the same time as Salty Nut’s.

Huntsville native and engineer, Larry Lowe, founded the brewery which opened in Sept. of 2019.

Fractal Brewing also closed on July 31 and cited the affects of Covid-19/supply chain problems as a reason for the closure.

5. Bowler Hat Brewing

beer — We tip our hat to Bowler Hat Brewing. (Bowler Hat Brewing Company via Facebook)

The closing of Bowler Hat Brewing Company came shortly after the news about Salty Nut and Fractal Brewing Project.

The business had been open for three-and-a-half years, and it officially closed its doors on Aug. 11.

6. Cork + Crust

cork and crust — Pizza restaurant Cork & Crust Pizzeria + Wine Bar in Madison closed this summer. (Lacey Spear/Hville Blast)

For pizza lovers, this one hurt. Cork & Crust Pizzeria opted to not renew their lease and officially closed their doors on Aug. 26.

The business had first opened in 2014 after owner Jim O’Brien learned the hospitality business from his time living in New York.

7. Suzy’s Pops

Suzy’s Pops closed at the end of October. The gourmet popsicle shop shut down its store inside Lowe Mill to focus on health and family.

The business started in 2011 as a vendor Greene Street Market. Their unique popsicles included flavors like vanilla bourbon cream, avocado and key lime pie.

Follow their Facebook page to see when their popsicle stand will appear at Lowe Mill for special events.

8. Neon Lily

Neon Lilly closed at the end of January. The Eurasian spot opened at Bridge Street in 2021 and offered authentic cuisine from around the world.

The international restaurant started as a food truck run by Liliya Taylor, a woman from Kazakhstan who moved to Huntsville after meeting her husband in the U.S. military. She chose to close the restaurant to focus on her health.

9. Mr. Po Boy

The Cajun eatery Mr. Po Boy closed its doors in May.

The restaurant first opened in Gurley in April 2021 but shut down due to complications a year after opening. The business reopened in Sept. 2022 but ultimately closed for good due to rising costs.