A group of Northwest restauranteurs are looking forward to opening the newest location of their eatery in the Magic City.

Wooden City Birmingham, at 2335 Morris Avenue, is expected to open within the next few weeks, according to co-owner Abe Fox.

Along with business partners Eddie Gulberg and Jon Green, Fox said they see this restaurant as fitting right into Birmingham’s vibrant food scene.

“We’re really excited to get open and looking forward to being a part of Birmingham,” Fox said.

Wooden City began in Tacoma, Wash. in 2018. The trio also own locations in Spokane and Chattanooga, as well as a Tavern concept in Seattle, which opened last year.

The owners come from restaurant backgrounds and families steeped in their inner workings. Fox’s mother, for example, was a waitress.

Wooden City was an old name for Tacoma, but conjures up a feeling of nostalgia. Fox said they want to create a “place that just feels like you’ve been there before.”

“Our demographic swings huge,” he said. “You can still get the high-end experience, but it can be very casual. We also get people coming off their construction sites and having a burger. We pride ourselves on our hospitality.”

In addition to cocktails and wine, the Wooden City menu features appetizers, wood fire pizza, sandwiches and sides, as well as house favorites like the Spicy Lamb Rigatoni, Country Style Pork Chops, Beet Ravioli, Chicken Schnitzel, Braised Brisket and the Wooden City Surf and Turf.

Fox said the trio began looking to expand in the Southeast because of the region’s outlook, its growth and the people.

Once they were established in Chattanooga, all it took to sell Fox was a trip to Birmingham.

“I loved it. That’s the short answer. The food scene is great. It feels good there. It’s in a very good growth phase,” he said.

Wooden City also has a nostalgic feel by locating in the city’s historic Morris Avenue district. Fox said the owners plan to expand on the 4,000-square foot space by adding a back patio.

The restaurant is still hiring full and part time employees. You can learn more at the website.