Reviewed by: Elizabeth Hobbs
Welcome these 5 new businesses to the Huntsville area
Reading time: 3 minutes

This week, we have several new businesses to tell you about here in the Rocket City. Some of these have recently opened, while others are opening in the near future. Either way, we want to welcome them to the Huntsville business community.
Take a look:
1. The Picklr

- What: North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise announced that its Huntsville club is scheduled to open in December 2025.
- Where: 6123 University Drive, N.W., Suite 130, Huntsville, AL 35806
- When: December 2025
- Details
2. Food City – Athens

- What: A new Food City location is opening in Athens, as ground was broken last week on the 57,000-square-foot store that will create 180 new jobs.
- Where: 17878 Lucas Ferry Rd., Athens, AL 35611
- When: Spring 2026
- Details
3. Fifth/Third Bank
- What: Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank is opening its first Huntsville branch in MidCity this week. The full-service bank branch is part of a strategic plan to expand the bank’s footprint in Alabama.
- Where: 5903 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
- When: Tuesday, August 12
- Details
4. Under Armour
- What: You can soon get all of your Under Armour sporting gear at the new store at Valley Bend shopping center. The new store will take the spot formerly occupied by Party City.
- Where: 2750 Carl T Jones Dr SE #1100, Huntsville, AL 35802
- When: Fall 2025
- Details
5. Pillar & Paw

- What: Pillar & Paw is now open in the old bookstore location on the ground floor of the Sandridge Student Center. The store offers all kinds of Athens State gear, and includes gifts and merchandise for all ages.
- Where: 300 N Beaty St, Athens, AL 35611
- When: Now open
- Details
One unfortunate closing

An announcement was made last week that gourmet cooking store and classroom Rafael’s Table will close at the end of the month. Sadly, a recent health diagnosis has prompted owner Abbe Diaz to close the store.
“Three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Life has a way of shifting our paths in ways we don’t expect. I had to immediately relocate to Nashville to begin treatment at Vanderbilt, and as I now focus on healing and my health, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close Rafael’s Table.”
Abbe Diaz, owner, Rafael’s Table
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