12 anchor businesses in Woodlawn's historic commercial district

Filed Under Business-Proving, Front Page, Small Business, Woodlawn

#55th-place-thrift-store #alabama-tax-diva #audiostate-55 #bayles-catering #birmingham-lock-and-key #community #eastside-funeral-home #imperial-cleaners #imperial-formal-wear #naughty-but-nice-kettle-corn #sammys-sandwich-shop #small-business #smiles-for-keeps #support-local #the-shop-basics-clothing #woodlawn #woodlawn-business-spotlight

The historic Woodlawn commercial district has been home to some exciting openings in the last year: 

      • Woodlawn Theatre welcomes all with an eclectic mix of local musicians and events. 
      • Jazz on 55th brings nighttime to life with soulful sound. 

These new concepts represent the evolution of Woodlawn businesses, providing us a glimpse at what the future holds for this special place. However, as the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day – and neither was Woodlawn! That’s why we want to tip our hats and raise a glass to some of the businesses that have paved the way for further development and growth in Woodlawn. 

We refer to these places as “anchor businesses” – but how did they earn that title? It comes down to a few key factors.  

  1. They have a physical presence here in the community.  
  2. They act as economic drivers, enticing residents and visitors alike to put their dollars into Woodlawn.  
  3. They have a longstanding presence beyond business, building lasting relationships and engaging with their neighbors.  

Because the following businesses have poured themselves into Woodlawn, the community chooses to eagerly follow suit. Keep reading for a (re)introduction to a handful of Woodlawn’s anchor businesses. 

Alabama Tax Diva
127 52nd Street North 

Houston-Latimore & Associates is the firm behind Alabama Tax Diva, a Woodlawn-based business that provides quality, efficient bookkeeping and tax preparation services to small businesses and individuals. Mary Latimore, the firm’s principal consultant, has 30 years of experience in the industry and assists clients throughout Alabama with tax preparation, tax planning and business planning strategies. 

Audiostate 55 Recording Studios & Entertainment Company
4 55th Place North 

Inside the brick walls of this urban studio is where masterful music production takes place. Artists looking to join the ranks of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and American Idol winners Ruben Studdard and Carrie Underwood might consider working with the studio’s world-class engineers, producers and arrangers.  

Bayles Catering & Restaurant
5831 1st Avenue North #300 

If you’ve visited Woodlawn, you’ve probably grabbed a bite to eat from Bayles. This neighborhood staple serves up delicious, affordable food daily. From hearty breakfast plates to American lunchtime favorites to the celebrated return of Soul Food Sunday, there’s truly something for everyone on the menu. Not to be ignored, though, is the establishment’s premiere catering service. Bayles specializes in buffet-style service and custom menu design for weddings, cocktail receptions, corporate events, luncheons and dinner parties. 

Birmingham Lock and Key 
112 60th Street North 

With combined locksmithing experience of more than 120 years, it’s safe to say the team at Birmingham Lock and Key knows the ins and outs of the industry. Since 1977, this Woodlawn-based service provider has been helping keep homes and businesses secure. 

Eastside Funeral Home
5523 1st Avenue North 

Founded by C. Ervin and Catrina Kennedy, Eastside Funeral Home opened its doors on 1st Avenue North more than 20 years ago. Since then, the family-owned-and-operated business has been dedicated to serving Birmingham community members during their time of bereavement. Although some might view the work as morbid, the Kennedys consider it a calling – and a necessary one. In fact, Eastside received its first call on July 13, 2003, just one day after opening.  

Imperial Cleaners
5412 1st Avenue North 

Imperial Cleaners is another family-owned and operated service provider here in Woodlawn. For more than 20 years, residents have enjoyed the Tombrellos’ reliable dry-cleaning services and utilized the family’s nearby laundromat. 

Imperial Formal Wear
5416 1st Avenue North 

After witnessing and learning from her parents’ entrepreneurial endeavors, Kristina Tombrello-Bunn opened her own business in the same community: Imperial Formal Wear. The charming bridal boutique boasts a catalogue of hand-selected gowns in a variety of silhouettes, drawing brides-to-be from all over the Birmingham metro area. 

Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn
5831 1st Avenue North #200 

What’s popping? At Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn, the answer to that question is always something tasty. This artisan kettle corn retailer is a family affair; from running the kettle to brainstorming new flavors, the Summers family plays a hands-on role in creating a one-of-a-kind experience for their loyal popheads. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, NBNKC stocks an array of flavors to suit your palate – French toast, cheddar, green apple pie, jalapeño popper, strawberry vanilla and more. 

Sammy’s Sandwich Shop
4921 Messer Airport Highway 

Hungry for more? The Bajjalieh family has been serving the Woodlawn community for almost 50 years at Sammy’s Sandwich Shop. Known for their mouthwatering, made-to-order burgers, this Woodlawn eatery was once named the home of “Alabama’s Best Burger” by Only In Your State. Other menu favorites include the hamburger steak plate, beef rider and chicken rider. 

Smiles for Keeps
5500 1st Avenue South  

Dr. Roger Smith and Mary McSpadden believe that every child should have access to outstanding dental care. That’s why they joined forces to open Smiles for Keeps in 2006, a dental practice for children and teens in the heart of Woodlawn. Just six years later, Smiles for Keeps outgrew its original location, leading Smith and McSpadden to undertake a brand-new construction project by building the first new business office in Woodlawn in more than 25 years.

The Shop & Basics Clothing
5812 1st Avenue North 

This Woodlawn storefront has a lot to offer: Everything hair – men and women’s – and the latest fashions. Whether you’re in the market for a new ‘do or fresh ‘fit, The Shop & Basics Clothing is equipped with all the right tools to help you look and feel your best. After all, “if you don’t look good, [they] don’t look good.” 

55th Place Thrift Store
5 55th Place North 

Hidden treasures abound at 55th Place Thrift Store, a volunteer-run, cash-only thrift shop found right in the heart of Woodlawn. All the store’s profits benefit outreach programs of the Episcopal Church in Birmingham, including a daily meal served at Grace Episcopal, summer youth programs, a senior living program at Episcopal Place and other services for the underprivileged. Since the store’s opening in 1988, it has generated approximately $2 million dedicated to these local programs. 

We’re grateful to have these community pillars – and more, like POLARIS, d’Trespa and our very own workspace, SocialVenture – in the historic Woodlawn commercial district. As we look to support them through our work, we encourage you to do the same! Stay up to date on Woodlawn businesses (old and new), plus district events by following @woodlawnbhm on Facebook and Instagram.

Related News

More News