Posts

Brooklyn’s Hummus & Pita Co. Opens in Huntsville

/in , , /by

The Hummus & Pita Co. is bringing its Mediterranean fare to the Rocket City.

The Brooklyn-based, fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant is opening Thursday at Times Plaza, 2137 South Memorial Parkway.

The Hummus & Pita Co. is welcoming all first responders to eat for free at the restaurant’s soft-opening on Wednesday. And, to celebrate the grand opening, the restaurant will be giving away meals to the first 50 customers on Thursday’s opening day.

“We’re excited to be expanding The Hummus & Pita Co. further into the Southeast with the Huntsville opening,” said co-founder Dave Pesso. “The popularity of Mediterranean cuisine is rapidly growing in the Southeast and we look forward to introducing our fresh, innovative, and flavorful meals to this region.”

The opening is a part of a five-location deal with franchise company, Premier King, Inc. This location will be join the Atlanta restaurant that opened in November and a store in Montgomery is slated to open before year’s end.

Since 2011, the Brooklyn-born Hummus & Pita Co. has been delivering guilt-free, homemade cuisine to the masses. The concept has taken the best dishes from all over the Mediterranean region, including recipes that have been passed down generation to generation, and built a menu that works for all taste and dietary preferences.

All menu items are made from scratch on the premises at each location, using only the freshest ingredients available to ensure high-quality, flavor-focused eats for every guest. There are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan items on the menu, as well.

The restaurant is known for its freshly-baked pita and laffa breads, wide variety of innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes, meats cooked in a traditional taboon oven. Its  signature hummus-based dessert offerings such as the Chickpea Chiller have been recognized by media outlets including ABC’s “The Chew,” People magazine, Business Insider, PopSugar, and more.

The Hummus & Pita Co. will be open daily from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and will offer dine-in, curbside, takeout, and delivery via third-party partners. Customers can download The Hummus & Pita Co. app for advanced ordering and other loyalty features, through the Apple Store and Google Play. The restaurant will offer catering services to accommodate events or parties of any size. Visit hummusandpitas.com.

Stone Age Korean BBQ Opens at Times Plaza

/in , /by

Beef Bulgogi, spicy pork belly, lemon chicken, and Cajun shrimp — you’ll find all this and more at Times Plaza’s newest restaurant, Stone Age Korean BBQ. The eatery invites guests to sample unique Korean flavor while taking part in the cooking process. Best of all, it’s all-you-can-eat, so come with a big appetite.

Stone Age Korean BBQ’s setting has brightly colored booths, fun lighting fixtures, and giant television screens that showcase the latest Korean pop music videos.

“Stone Age offers a new kind of dining experience in Huntsville,” said General Manager Sung Rose. “Our food is incredible, the atmosphere is friendly and energetic, and we try to make each visit an unforgettable outing.”

Guests can choose from specially prepared beef, pork, chicken, and seafood (during dinner hours) that bring Korean cuisine to life. Diners cook each meat on a circular grill at the center of the table. While the meat is sizzling, servers bring the table as many sides as they can eat such as rice, kimchi, salad, Bibimbob, dumplings, ramen, and even french fries.

“We have had a wonderful response so far,” said Sung. “At the moment, our lunch crowds are bigger than the dinner crowds. But our dinner menu comes with more options, so we encourage everyone to try us out after work. Our restaurant is designed to deliver an experience, so be prepared to spend some time at the table savoring the different meats and sides.

“At 2 p.m., we stop serving lunch and go straight to dinner. If you join us then, we recommend trying the shrimp or filet mignon. There’s even spicy squid for our more adventurous eaters.”

 

Super Chix Ready to Serve up Trademark Chicken and Frozen Custard

/in , , , /by

From the folks who brought Five Guys, Nothing Bundt Cakes and other eateries to the Rocket City, comes Super Chix. And, it’s another first for the Patels.

“This will be our first location outside of the Dallas market and we are very excited to partner with local restaurateurs Kumar Patel and Rajesh Patel to bring the concept to Huntsville,” said Nick Ouimet, founder and CEO of Super Chix. “This isn’t fast-food chicken— there are only six ingredients in our breading on our lightly breaded, high-quality tenders and filets, and we believe simple is best.”

The Dallas-based chicken and frozen custard restaurant opened at Times Plaza on South Memorial Parkway.

Ouimet said Super Chix features a “fast-casual dining experience.”

‘We have no drive-thrus and our interiors have a cool, modern vibe that’s perfect for a casual lunch or dinner,” he said. “We’ve developed a product and experience that stand out in the market and caters to all ages and walks of life—everyone enjoys exceptional food in a fun environment.”

The Super Chix Nashville hot chicken sandwich is a specialty of the restaurant.

Super Chix features “never-frozen” tenders and filets, hand-breaded or grilled chicken sandwiches , hand-cut fries and salads. The toppings come from whole vegetables that are delivered daily and sliced by hand. There are also house-made sauces offered like ranch, honey mustard, a signature Super Chix sauce and its Nashville hot chicken sauce that comes on a sandwich or as a dipping sauce.

The restaurant also specializes in frozen custard, which is served as hand-dipped in cones or cups, or in milkshakes and fusions (concretes). Chocolate and vanilla are churned each morning and are always on the menu, and there is a special flavor of the day. Future custard flavors include cookies and cream, Reese’s peanut butter cup, Butterfinger, English coffee toffee, chocolate chip cookie dough, black raspberry cheesecake and more.

“Times Plaza is the perfect location for the new-to-market Super Chix thanks to its easy accessibility and prominent visibility from the parkway,” said Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate leasing agent Anusha Davis. “Nearby professionals have another great option for a fast-casual lunch with healthy and indulgent options and dinner crowds will discover a new excellent eatery they can enjoy with family and friends.

“Super Chix has put together an excellent team here in Huntsville who will operate the brand and ensure that each visit has rave reviews.”

From Old Times to New Times: Bad Daddy’s has ‘Bad A**’ Burgers

/in , , /by

If the first few days are a predictor, one of Huntsville’s newest eateries is headed for success.

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, which opened Sept. 23 in the new Times Plaza at 2317 Memorial Parkway, launched with a big turnout.

Former Huntsville Times Publisher Bob Ludwig checks out a Bad Daddy’s Burger. (Photo/Wendy Reeves)

“It’s gone pretty well,” restaurant manager Jason Gagnon said soon after closing the first day. “We’re all a little excited, but it’s been good.”

The place was even buzzing with staff hurriedly serving tables full of patrons at 4 p.m. two days later.

The restaurant, the chain’s first in Alabama and 37th nationwide, advertises “Chef-driven burgers, chopped salads, artisan sandwiches, and local craft beers.” The motif has a Huntsville flavor with artwork from local photographer Olivia Reed part of the decor.

The first Bad Daddy’s opened in 2007 in North Carolina.

Times Plaza assumed the address once occupied by The Huntsville Times. Former Times employees gathered to recount old stories and check out the culinary and craft beer offerings during a “soft opening” two days before the burger bar opened to the public.

This is a Bad Ass Burger by Bad Daddy’s. (Photo/Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar)

There were some 32 former employees visiting their old haunts with a combined 791 years of service with the newspaper. Among them were this reporter and Huntsville Business Journal editor Bud McLaughlin, who gave the restaurant’s signature Bad Ass Burger a review of “excellent.”

The burger is billed as featuring a 10-ounce beef patty, housemade American cheese, horseradish mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle and, according to McLaughlin, the star of the ensemble: “Deep-fried bacon.’’

While Bad Daddy’s churns out food where The Times’ newsroom once churned out stories, the site that housed the former production building includes Super Chix, Stone Age Korean Steakhouse and Regymen Fitness.

Super Chix is based in Dallas and specializes in frozen custard in addition to chicken.

Stone Age, operated by local restaurateur Min Liu, will be all-you-can-eat barbecue with an eclectic mix of vegetables, sauces, and other sides.

 

Times Plaza Coming to Life; Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Grilling Next Month

/in , , , /by

The sounds and smell of fresh burgers on the grill will soon be wafting out on South Memorial Parkway.

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar will initiate the action at the new Times Plaza center next month with Super Chix Chicken & Custard scheduled to follow in October. Also on the bill of the work-retail-dining center are Stone Age Korean Steakhouse and Just Love Coffee.

Bad Daddy’s burgers are made from scratch. (Photo/Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar)

Charlotte-based Bad Daddy’s is an iconic brand with a dedicated following and this is the company’s first store in Alabama.

“They have been searching for a way to enter the Alabama market, and we are thrilled they chose Huntsville as their introduction,” said Anusha Davis, Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate leasing agent. “We have a community that readily embraces new concepts and our city’s growth is attracting more well-known brands to join developments like Times Plaza.”

Bad Daddy’s is a scratch kitchen serving premium angus burgers and quintessential American fare. 

So, what makes Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar so appealing?

“Simply put, Bad Daddy’s elevates the standard beer and burger to a whole new level,” said Amy Nedwell, director of marketing for Bad Daddy’s. “We are a high-intensity scratch kitchen serving chef-driven menu options made to customer specifications. Best of all, we have something for everyone because we go beyond beef.

“Our appetizers, salads and veggie burgers have won us much praise, and we make sure Bad Daddy’s has something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.”

Classic rock tunes combined with guitars, old road signs, records and neon give Bad Daddy’s a family-friendly “grunge” feel that pairs with its towering entrees.

Local beers will be available on tap as well as a signature cocktail menu. There’s even a selection of adult milkshakes. Kids are also welcome to treat themselves thanks to a children’s menu featuring sliders, hot dogs, grilled cheese, tenders and more.

 

You Can Go Back to the Stone Age – for Korean Barbecue

/in , , , , , /by

Barbecue is synonymous with the South.

And a restaurant coming to Huntsville offers its barbecue from the South, as in South Korea.

The Stone Age Korean Steakhouse is slated to open late this fall in the Times Plaza development on South Memorial Parkway.

“Korean barbecue is a growing trend in many major cities that will fit well in the Huntsville market,” said Min Liu, main operator of Stone Age Korean Steakhouse. “Stone Age will serve a wide array of meats, ban-chan (pickled veggies), sauces and sides that guests can mix up with each visit. Everyone can prepare the food the way they like with the marinades and sauces they prefer.”

And, if you haven’t experienced this concept, Liu says not to worry.

“There will be plenty of people to assist patrons during their first visit and give them a proper introduction to Korean barbecue.”

Liu brought Oshi Poke Bowl & Sushi to The Avenue in downtown Huntsville and, last November, Liu and his team opened a similar eatery – Q Korean Steakhouse – in north Atlanta.

When asked why they chose Times Plaza for the new eatery, Liu said it had everything to do with introducing a unique concept to a growing area.

“I believe that Times Plaza will be a convenient option for our guests because they can take a quick exit on the parkway and drive directly to the plaza,” he said. “That area is introducing many attractive developments and its popularity and culinary diversity are growing rapidly.

“For us, Times Plaza offers an ideal scenario and we are so excited to bring another brand-new concept to this city.”

The restaurant’s interior features vibrant colors, red leather booths, LED lighting and Korean pop music videos playing on the televisions throughout the space. Liu said that Stone Age will be an “experience for all senses.”

On the menu are several types of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood including chadol-baegi (beef brisket), samgyupsah (pork belly), ribeye and filet mignon. There are many sauces available, like Yum Yum and Salted Sesame Oil, a large variety of ban-chan, fresh fruit and seasonal fare. There is also plenty of steamed rice, kimchi and ramen to go around.

In addition to its cuisine, Stone Age will have a full bar serving spirits, beer and wine.

“When we ask the people of Huntsville what they want to bring to the city, they usually suggest eclectic concepts that are popular in large markets,” said Anusha Davis, leasing agent at Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate. “Traditional Korean barbecue is something that offers a new spin on crowd favorites like steak, chicken and pork. There’s also the interactive element of preparing your food the way you like and customizing each dish.”

With the atmosphere inside the 5,000-square-foot restaurant and all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner options, Liu said that Stone Age will be an “experience for all senses.”

Good Economy Attracts Bad Daddy

/in , , , , , , /by

Huntsville’s growth continues to draw companies from out-of-state, hoping to latch onto the good fortune here.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is opening its first Alabama eatery in the Rocket City. The restaurant will be in Times Plaza, the work-retail-dining development on South Memorial Parkway.

“We chose Times Plaza as our first Alabama location because of the growth the city is experiencing and the location’s visibility from the adjacent (Memorial Parkway),” said Bad Daddy’s CEO Boyd Hoback. “The area includes major upscale retailers and offers synergy among businesses.

“Its heavy traffic will allow us to cater to lunchtime business crowds, family dinners, and be a great place to grab a drink after work.”

Bad Daddy’s is a scratch kitchen serving premium angus burgers and quintessential American fare. The 4,107-square-foot restaurant is slated to open in the fall.

“Simply put, Bad Daddy’s elevates the standard beer and burger to a whole new level,” said Amy Nedwell, director of marketing for Bad Daddy’s. “We are a high-intensity scratch kitchen serving chef-driven menu options made to customer specifications. Best of all, we have something for everyone because we go beyond beef.

“Our appetizers, salads and veggie burgers have won us much praise, and we make sure Bad Daddy’s has something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.”

In an effort to be an inclusive destination, the eatery serves an expansive menu that includes much more than its award-winning, premium burgers and fries. Guests can also enjoy bison, tuna, turkey, chicken, and a vegetarian black bean burger.

“By far, our most popular menu item is the Create-Your-Own burger or salad option,” said Nedwell. “We have more than 60 options that patrons can pick and choose to create the perfect burger or salad, in addition to our signature selections on the menu. Actually, the team has calculated well over a million options with the different ingredients we have.”

Local beers will be available on tap at the Times Plaza location, as well as a signature cocktail menu. There’s even a selection of adult milkshakes and a Happy Hour menu that’s available daily. Kids are also welcome to treat themselves thanks to a children’s menu featuring sliders, hot dogs, grilled cheese, tenders and more.

“Bad Daddy’s is an iconic brand that already has a dedicated following in several states,” said Anusha Davis, Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate leasing agent. “They have been searching for a way to enter the Alabama market, and we are thrilled they chose Huntsville as their introduction.

“We have a community that readily embraces new concepts and our city’s growth is attracting more well-known brands to join developments like Times Plaza.”

Visit baddaddysburgerbar.com

Times Plaza to Join South Parkway Shopping Landscape

/in , , /by

Chances are, if you drive along South Memorial Parkway between Bob Wallace Avenue and Governors Drive, you’ve noticed a couple concrete towers rising about three stories above the ground.

And, nearby, steelwork is also going up.

The tower is a stairwell/elevator for Times Plaza, a mixed-use development at the site of the former Huntsville Times building at 2317 South Memorial Parkway. It is expected to open for business next May.

The development will include a mix of restaurants, boutiques, retail stores and offices.

The first tenant will be announced in the coming weeks by Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate Group. The architect is Matheny Goldmon, and Robins & Morton is the general contractor.