Pizitz Food Hall holds grand opening

The Birmingham mayor, council members and property developers gathered at the Pizitz Food Hall this morning to celebrate the grand opening of a project nearly two decades in the making.

"After 17 years, it's kind of amazing that we're able to have this day," said Bayer Properties principal David Silverstein. "Normally things work out a little bit quicker for us."

Bayer purchased the Pizitz building 17 years ago and has been slowly reconstructing it into the food, retail and luxury apartments development that stands at 1821 2nd Ave. N. today.

With retailers like Warby Parker and Yellowhammer Creative, along with around 15 different restaurants from ramen to hot dogs to tacos to Ethiopian dishes, Silverstein said the Pizitz is contributing to the "vibrancy" of the city. During construction, Silverstein said his company had the opportunity to hear stories from longtime Birmingham residents about their experiences at the old Pizitz building before it closed.

Among those was Mayor William Bell, who said at the grand opening that he recalls seeing the Pizitz as a child. Bell said the new building came together with "a vision, a lot of hard work and a lot of collaboration across the board."

"We've got a new heyday coming. It's marked by all the progress across this city," Bell said. "This building has taken on a new life that will last for generations to come."

"This is a new Birmingham ... Everybody is witnessing this renaissance," District 7 Councilor James Roberson said.

Guests at the grand opening had the chance to try out breakfast foods and visit the open restaurants, such as Tropicaleo, Lichita's Paleteria, Waffle Works, Ghion Cultural Hall and more. They also were able to tour some of the apartments, though Bayer Properties publicist Britni Johnson said most of the apartments are already rented and tenants began moving in during December.

Tropicaleo will only be a temporary resident of the food hall, as it is occupying the Reveal Kitchen space. Reveal is an incubator project of REV Birmingham and Create Birmingham's CO.STARTERS. A new food-oriented CO.STARTERS graduate will take over the Reveal Kitchen every few months as a way to get their footing in Birmingham.

Deon Gordon of REV Birmingham said Tropicaleo is off to a good start.

"He seems like he's had a steady stream of customers. He's been killing it so far," Gordon said.

The grand opening included a surprise for the audience, which included a few members of the Pizitz family. Silverstein, along with the mayor and council members present, unveiled a clock that had been discovered during the demolition of the old building. Silverstein said he hopes the clock, which is in working order again, will be a focal point for the food hall.

Learn more about the Food Hall and other Pizitz tenants at the Pizitz website.