Mile End Deli closing permanently, Hero Doughnuts to move in

In light of “recent circumstances,” Mile End Deli announced on Facebook their plans to close permanently and reopen as Hero Doughnuts and Buns.

The decision to close Mile End had begun just before the COVID-19 outbreak, said Angie Mosier, the marketing director for Pihakis Restaurant Group. 

“We loved Mile End, but the truth is, the restaurant was not profitable,” Mosier said. “When the pandemic hit, it led us to make a quick decision about how to best move forward.”

Mile End's last day of business was March 22.

“We will be very happy to fill the building with families, neighborhood residents and visitors to Railroad Park and Birmingham as soon as we can,” read a March 23 Facebook post. “Our goal is to utilize this time—during the COVID-19 outbreak—to build a place that is cheerful and welcoming and will be a space that encourages you to share time and good food with friends, family and strangers alike.”

Hero Doughnuts and Buns began in Homewood two years ago and is in the same restaurant group as Mile End Deli. Hero is eyeing rapid expansion this year with plans to also open in Trussville and in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. However, these locations' opening dates have been delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The construction and transition to Hero Doughnuts and Buns is expected to be completed by mid-April, Mossier said.

"We don't know what this pandemic will bring with regard to whether or not we will be able to open our doors at that point, but we want to be ready as soon as we can," Mosier said.

Mile End Deli served classic Jewish comfort food and was modeled after delicatessens found in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood, the restaurant’s website reads. The Birmingham location opened in 2019.

Other restaurants in the Pihakis Restaurant Group are Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, Little Donkey Mexican Restaurant and Big Bad Breakfast.

“Pihakis Restaurant Group brands … are restaurants with menus that celebrate great food, born from regional traditions, in approachable and fun spaces that uplift family businesses and create opportunity for growth and great work environments,” said the Facebook post.

For more information, visit herodoughnutsandbuns.com.

Updated March 23 12:18 p.m. to add comments by Angie Mosier.