3 New Businesses and 1 Closure Hit Birmingham This Week

From a Cajun food truck's first brick-and-mortar to a contrast therapy provider, here are the latest openings and closings in the Magic City.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Birmingham is welcoming three new businesses this week, including the first brick-and-mortar location for a popular Cajun food truck, a new contrast therapy provider, and a dress rental boutique. However, the city is also saying goodbye to a longtime high-end retailer, as Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit is set to close.

Why it matters

These openings and closings reflect the dynamic nature of Birmingham's business landscape, with new concepts emerging to cater to evolving consumer preferences while established brands face challenges. The changes highlight the city's continued growth and evolution, as well as the need for businesses to adapt to shifting market conditions.

The details

The new businesses coming to Birmingham include Roll Cajun Boudin, which is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Southside after starting as a food truck in 2024. The restaurant will serve authentic Cajun fare, including whole smoked alligator and crawfish boils during the season. R3 Contrast, a contrast therapy provider, is also opening a new location in Homewood, offering a mix of hot and cold treatments. Additionally, Own the Red Carpet, a dress rental boutique, is set to open in Homewood, catering to the needs of college students and young professionals attending formal events. On the other hand, luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue is closing its only Alabama location at The Summit, following the company's bankruptcy filing earlier this year.

  • Roll Cajun Boudin is opening its first brick-and-mortar location on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, February 17.
  • Own the Red Carpet is set to open in Homewood on Tuesday, March 3.
  • Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit will remain open until the end of April.

The players

Roll Cajun Boudin

A Cajun food truck that is opening its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Southside, Birmingham.

R3 Contrast

A new contrast therapy provider opening a location in Homewood, Birmingham.

Own the Red Carpet

A new dress rental boutique opening in Homewood, Birmingham.

Saks Fifth Avenue

A luxury retailer closing its only Alabama location at The Summit in Birmingham, following the company's bankruptcy filing.

Matt Coltrin

The founder of Roll Cajun Boudin, a Louisiana native who started the food truck in 2024.

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The takeaway

Birmingham's business landscape continues to evolve, with new concepts emerging to cater to changing consumer preferences, while established brands face challenges. These openings and closings reflect the city's dynamic growth and the need for businesses to adapt to shifting market conditions.