A wave of new dining options is set to invigorate downtown, with the launch of Bushell’s soul food restaurant in the former Bahia space on Union Street and the establishment of Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ and Firebird Pizza in a new brick-and-mortar location on Garfield Avenue.
Andre Bushell, renowned for his roles in Foundry Craft Grillery and Dreloco Taco, is preparing to introduce Bushell’s Kitchen + Cocktails at 127 South Union Street. The restaurant aims to commence a soft opening next week, bringing a unique soul food experience to the heart of the city.
“We believe it is time to diversify the downtown area by creating a space that represents our childhood and Black culture,” Bushell said. The menu, deeply rooted in family recipes, will feature traditional soul food favorites like collard greens, yams, fried chicken, and oxtail, each dish crafted to narrate a story of heritage and affection.
Complementing the culinary offerings, Bushell’s will feature a craft cocktail menu and a variety of mocktails. Interior updates have been meticulously designed to foster a welcoming atmosphere where guests can unwind and enjoy their meals. “Our aim is to offer more than just a dining experience. We want to provide an immersive atmosphere as well,” Bushell added. The restaurant will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, 3 PM to 10 PM.
Meanwhile, Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ, a beloved food truck staple since 2001, is making a significant transition to a permanent location at 831 South Garfield Avenue. Spearheaded by the father-and-son team of Steve and Logan Randell, the new venture also includes the launch of a sister restaurant, Firebird Pizza, at the same site. Scheduled to open on July 15, these two fast-casual eateries will maintain separate ordering areas while sharing a common dining room.
The new Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ will offer many of the cherished items from the food truck, including pulled pork, beef brisket, St. Louis-style dry rub ribs, chicken, and turkey legs. The menu will also introduce smoked sausage. Firebird Pizza will specialize in 10-11 inch Neapolitan-style pizzas made to order in a brick oven, with customizable toppings and optional drizzle finishers. Operating hours will be Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM.
Several local businesses are also experiencing noteworthy changes.
Adam Schraufnagel and Samantha Bissell, in collaboration with former Cast Iron Kitchen manager Becky Barker, have reopened the restaurant under the new name The Local’s Place. Located off US-31 in Chums Corner, this venture emerged from the trio’s passion for the community and their commitment to maintaining a beloved local spot.
“We both still have full-time jobs and really just reopened this place because of our love for Becky…and the staff that was here before,” Schraufnagel explained. The Local’s Place is now welcoming customers daily from 6:30 AM to 2 PM.
In another development, Solitude & Wellness Spa, previously poised for closure, has been revitalized by dedicated customer Sarah Lee Sullivan, who, alongside partner Andy Marek, purchased the business. Located at 111 East Front Street, the spa’s new owners are focused on ensuring a seamless transition for patrons.
“We hope the transition will be so smooth and seamless you won’t even know that there was a change in ownership,” they shared on social media.