From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Three metro area restaurants have permanently closed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, though it is not entirely clear if the pandemic was to blame or if the timing was convenient due to under-performing locations.
The Spell Restaurant Group (SRG) announced on Monday that the Babalu restaurant in Lakeview had closed for good on the previous Friday. SRG also announced the closing of the Knoxville location.
“During this very difficult time our world is experiencing, the negative cash flow from both of these two locations was not sustainable,” SRG stated. “To put it simply, SRG, like nearly all restaurant groups across the country, is in survival mode.”
Monday was also the day Mile End delicatessen near Railroad Park announced that they would not reopen.
“Recent circumstances have pushed us to make some changes and the decision has been made to close Mile End Birmingham permanently,” Mile End stated via social media. “We appreciate your support and are grateful to the community.”
The Jewish deli was operated by the Pihakis Restaurant Group, which announced plans to put a Hero Doughnuts and Buns in the building.
Phihakis also plans a Hero Doughnuts and Buns location as well as a Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ location in Trussville. Both will be located on Main Street on the former Joel’s property.
Brio Tuscan Grille at Brookwood Village also shuttered the doors this week. No reason was given for the closing. The location has been removed from the corporate website and the restaurant’s Facebook page listed the location as permanently closed.