On February 25, the A.G. Motel in Birmingham celebrated the grand opening of its Black-owned coffee shop, Alicia’s Coffee. This coffee shop marks an important milestone in the motel’s ongoing restoration, a project years in the making. The A.G. Motel, which was designated a National Historic Site in 2017, is being restored through a collaboration between the National Park Service, the City of Birmingham, and the Historical Preservation Authority.
The grand opening was attended by city officials and community leaders, including Commissioner Sheila Tyson, who emphasized the importance of the new coffee shop. While some may view its opening as a small step, Tyson believes it symbolizes much more for the community, representing economic growth and generational wealth.
“This might seem simple to someone outside watching, ‘They just opened up a coffee shop,’ but it means so much more to our community. This is generational wealth,” Tyson said.
Naimah Alicia Elmore, co-owner of Alicia’s Coffee, cut the ribbon at the new establishment and expressed gratitude to the community that supported the project. Her business partner, Rashad Harrell, also shared his commitment to the venture, ensuring the shop’s continued dedication to the neighborhood.
Mayor Randall Woodfin spoke about the broader impact of the coffee shop, highlighting its role in serving the community. He assured the owners that the city would support their efforts and praised the coffee shop’s mission beyond just serving drinks.
“We’re happy to have Alicia’s Coffee here in this sacred space. This coffee has a mission—it’s not just about serving coffee but about serving the community through acts of service. There’s no better place to live out those words than right here, in the space that became the headquarters for equality and justice in our city,” Mayor Woodfin said.
The opening of Alicia’s Coffee represents a significant step in both the revitalization of the A.G. Motel and the growth of Birmingham’s vibrant, community-focused businesses.
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