A New Japanese Bistro May Be Taking Over The Corner Bar In Birmingham

Residents of Birmingham may have two new bistros coming their way in 2015 according to Downtown Publications. The Birmingham City Commission recently voted to approve two proposals for restaurants in the city's Rail District and central business district.

The Factory Bistro is a concept by Vicari Restaurant Group, owners of Andiamo restaurants, Joe Muer Seafood, and more. The owner of the Rail District space at 2010 Cole Street, Sameer Keilani, says The Factory Bistro will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with "fresh breads and pastries, lunch with salads and sandwiches, and a beautiful dinner with tapas, all affordable."

The space will have "European ambiance" and outdoor seating.

"If done in the manner described, this could be a real boost for the area. I'm very concerned about the building. It's been a derelict building," says commissioner Mark Nickita.

The second concept approved by the commission, will takeover The Corner bar in The Townsend Hotel. Jeremy Sasson, owner of the Townhouse Restaurant, wants to gut the current space and transform it into a Japanese bistro called SHO.

"Our menu concept will focus on the absolute finest of raw seafood, sashimi, sushi, tapas, hot and cold appetizers, shared plates, salads and main dishes," Sasson says. In addition to microbrews and spirits, SHO will offer a saki aging program.

Renovated space sounds like the restaurant equivalent of a rock garden with "wood tones, natural stones, and plant life, and colors to stimulate the senses."