QUICK SUMMARY
August 2026 is off to a busy start for new businesses across Birmingham’s suburbs. Brazilian bakery Cake Me Up is now open in Hoover, luxury co-working salon Aspen + Ash Collective has opened in Cahaba Heights, and Candle Cow Bar opened its first storefront in Helena on August 1. On the coming-soon list: California fashion retailer Brandy Melville at The Summit, Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar in Trussville, and beloved Birmingham institution SAW’s BBQ at Valley Post in Chelsea. For homeowners, this steady stream of retail investment is one more signal of the strength of the over-the-mountain and U.S. 280 corridor markets.
It’s a new month in the Magic City’s suburbs, and the openings keep coming. Here’s a roundup of what’s new and what’s on the way across Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Trussville and the surrounding communities, as reported by Bham Now — and what it all means if you own (or want to own) a home nearby.
What just opened in Hoover?
Cake Me Up, a Brazilian dessert shop, officially opened its doors in Hoover on July 25 at 5190 Medford Drive, Suite 124. Chef Viviane, a native of Minas Gerais, Brazil, built the bakery around the treats she used to make for friends and neighbors — think classic cakes alongside traditional Brazilian favorites like pao de queijo and brigadeiro. It’s open weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it joins a Hoover food scene that keeps getting more international. Considering a move to the area? Start with our Hoover community guide.
What’s new in Vestavia Hills and Cahaba Heights?
Aspen + Ash Collective, a luxury co-working salon space, recently opened at 4274 Cahaba Heights Court. Founded by Krystal Millender, a stylist with 25 years in the beauty industry, the concept gives independent stylists a full-service, upscale salon setup while letting them run their own businesses and build their own brands. It’s a smart fit for Cahaba Heights, where small-business energy and neighborhood charm go hand in hand — one reason homes there remain in steady demand. Explore the area in our Vestavia Hills community guide.
House hunting over the mountain? Call or text our Greater Birmingham team at 205-292-7142 — or browse our community guides to compare neighborhoods.
What’s coming to Trussville?
Trussville’s dining scene may be getting one of its biggest additions yet. Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar has signed a franchise agreement that includes a Trussville location, though an official address hasn’t been announced. We covered what that could mean for the U.S. 11 corridor in our full Big Whiskey’s Trussville post. It continues a strong run for Trussville — the city has also welcomed a new Einstein Bros. Bagels off Gadsden Highway and Redemption by Straight Mountain Foods, the brick-and-mortar debut of the popular food truck, at 8885 Gadsden Highway. Get to know the city in our Trussville community guide.
What’s happening along U.S. 280 and beyond?
SAW’s BBQ is heading to Valley Post in Chelsea. The Birmingham barbecue institution, famous for its Alabama white sauce since 2009, announced plans for a new location at 1004 Dunnavant Valley Road, joining Waldo’s Chicken & Beer at the growing development. See our Chelsea community guide.
Brandy Melville is coming to The Summit. The California-based fashion retailer will open near Victoria’s Secret, Swarovski and Sephora — another national name betting on Birmingham’s retail corridor.
Candle Cow Bar opened in Helena on August 1 at 4052 Helena Road, bringing handcrafted candles, body care products and interactive candle-making experiences — a fun girls’-day or date-night stop. Explore our Helena community guide.
What does new retail mean for home values in these suburbs?
Retailers and restaurant groups do their homework before signing leases — new storefronts follow rooftops, incomes and traffic. When national brands like Brandy Melville and growing franchises like Big Whiskey’s choose Birmingham’s suburbs, it reflects the same fundamentals that keep housing demand strong in Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Trussville and along the 280 corridor: excellent schools, growing populations and convenient commutes. Wondering how that translates to prices? Our August 2026 Greater Birmingham housing market report has the latest numbers on prices, inventory and days on market.
Own a home near one of these new hot spots? Find out what it’s worth with a free home valuation or text 205-292-7142.
Frequently asked questions
What new businesses opened in the Birmingham suburbs in August 2026?
Recent openings include Cake Me Up, a Brazilian dessert shop in Hoover (opened July 25); Aspen + Ash Collective, a luxury co-working salon in Cahaba Heights; and Candle Cow Bar, a candle-making studio and shop in Helena (opened August 1).
Is SAW’s BBQ opening a new location?
Yes. SAW’s BBQ has announced plans to open at Valley Post, a development at 1004 Dunnavant Valley Road in Chelsea along U.S. 280, where it will join Waldo’s Chicken & Beer. SAW’s has been a Birmingham favorite since 2009.
When is Brandy Melville opening at The Summit?
An exact opening date hasn’t been announced, but the store is coming soon to 209 Summit Blvd, Suite 150, near Victoria’s Secret, Swarovski and Sephora at The Summit shopping center.
Do new businesses really affect home values?
Over time, yes. New restaurants, shops and services add convenience and walkability, which buyers consistently pay a premium for. Retail investment also signals confidence in an area’s growth — the same fundamentals that support home prices in communities like Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Trussville.
Thinking about a move in Greater Birmingham?
From Hoover to Trussville to the 280 corridor, our team knows these neighborhoods block by block. Reach out any time — no pressure, just local answers.
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