Esther's Eatery to Close

Esther's is an American style casual restaurant located on Huntsville Road near the NAMC complex. With some off the street parking located nearby, one would think this eatery would be bustling each day.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case. If you want to try Esther's, you'll need to stop by within the next three weeks. From Celeste at Esther's:

it is with a heavy heart and mixed feelings, that i have decided to close our doors on saturday, july 19th. i want to thank you all for the support you have given me with both Esther’s and Odette, that has meant more than anything. until the next chapter!

And another one in Florence shutters its doors...

The Curse of Comcast? Holland's Bites the Dust

 

For years the uniquely curved building on Pine Street housed Comcast Cable. Then the brick edifice sat empty for many more years while the owners decided (some say bickered among themselves) on how to proceed.

Happily two years ago, Struts arrived. The small time franchise closed after only a few weeks, but the building didn't sit empty this time.

Cypress Row appeared and promised to redeem the location - even if it was miserably short on parking. Alas, it was not to be, but another savior appeared almost immediately on the scene.

Hollard's Bar & Grill opened to much fanfare, but little business. Now it's taken the same route as its two predecessors. Yesterday was the eatery's last day.

Do we need a bingo card to predict the building's next incarnation?

Jack's Place Bistro to Close

 

Jack's Place Bistro is closing...at least temporarily. The eatery located at 118 West Mobile Street will shut its doors on July 1st due to the construction in the downtown area.

Owner Jack White has been vocal in his opposition to the construction of a new city hall directly across from his restaurant. Due to past work on that block, White's revenue fell 30% in 2024. This year looks even gloomier, according to a report White personally presented to the Florence City Council.

Will Jack's reopen? We'll report any changes in the bistro's status in Quad-Cities Cuisine.

Tum Tum's

 

Tum Tum's is coming. The new Mediterranean eatery will be located just east of Jack's on Florence Boulevard in the former location of Wendy's.

Tum Tum's is an independent restaurant owned by Ali Hasan of Muscle Shoals. He's stated the small store will feature flafel, shawerma, and gyros, plus much more.

There's not an opening date yet, but you can be sure Shoals diners will turn out in droves for authentic cuisine. Let's be sure to make Mr. Hasan and his business welcome!

Will a New Cookie Save Jimmy John's?

 

Jimmy John's sandwich shop is located in Florence on the corner of Court and Tennessee Streets. It's open 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.

For years, the sandwich shop Jimmy John's has been boycotted by thousands due to the hunting habits of founder Jimmy John Liautaud. The controversial Jimmy John has always claimed his big and small game hunting was perfectly legal, but that doesn't matter quite as much in 2025.

Liautaud sold his interest in the eatery in late 2019, but does remain as an advisor to the company. Since the acquisition by Inspire Brands, Jimmy John's has seen growth, while its chief competitor Subway has faltered.

One of the sandwich shop's chief claims to fame is delivery, but in Florence, times and locations vary. Management has stated this is due to perceived traffic at various hours of the day. Parking is also problematic at the downtown location. Perhaps a solution is to park in the new deck and have your order delivered there?

Jimmy John's also uses monthly promotions to increase business, with the Summer of 2025 highlight being its new lemon cookie. It's available through August and looks like one of the best things to come out of the small sandwich shop to date.

Happy noshing!

You Can't Say PIzza Hut Didn't Try

 

Yesterday, Pizza Hut's parent company Yum Brands (it also owns Taco Bell and KFC) announced that sales were down 5% from last year - much greater than the projection for the chain that is now in bankruptcy.

In recent years, Dominos and Little Caesars have substantially cut into Pizza Hut profits, causing many store to close. Pundits outside the chain are predicting more closures and the distinct possibility of total liquidation of the chain.

Pizza Hut has tried several new ways to stay relevant, including a pop-up store that serves individual pan pizzas to one customer at a time (See above photo). Unfortunately, the chain hasn't brought the mini-stores to the Shoals.

Currently, three Pizza Hut eateries remain in our area. You can still find a store in Florence, Killen, and Muscle Shoals. Considering this week's news, if you love Pizza Hut, you may want to pay a visit soon to say goodbye.

Coming Soon to This Busy Corner?

 

The above intersection is one of the busiest in Florence, but as of today, the western half of the Wood Avenue/Pine Street juncture is totally dead. The south plot is the abandoned Walgreens location. To the north is the old Tint Station property which has just been razed.

Something is happening, and our readers are full of rumors. Many of them involve a new Subway. Most people in the Seven-Points area would love that, but what else could it be?

Restaurant news indicates Slim Chickens, Whataburger, and In-N-Out are all possibilities. In-N-Out is currently building in Birmingham, but we doubt it would come to Florence at this time. Both Slim Chickens and Whataburger have relatively new stores in other Florence locations. 

In short, Subway is looking like the most logical choice for one of these locations. The other? Feel free to comment if you have any info or even just an inkling.

North Florence needs more choices!

Shoalanda