July 24, 2026
Huntsville's New Steakhouse (and Two New Bridge Street Restaurants)
Perry's Steakhouse is coming to MidCity, Shake Shack and Sweet Paris are headed to Bridge Street, and Harrison Brothers just landed a big preservation grant.

Happy Friday! This week felt like it flew by. Before we get into things, there is a lot of new food and community news to share. Let us get to it.
BLAST OFF
💰 Harrison Brothers Awarded a $75,000 Preservation Grant
One of Huntsville's most historic landmarks just got a big win. The Alabama Historical Commission awarded the Historic Huntsville Foundation $75,000 through the 2026 Historic Sites Grant Program to help preserve Harrison Brothers Hardware.
The funds will upgrade the building's electrical and HVAC systems, protect historic artifacts, expand educational exhibitions, and create new multi-functional spaces for community events.
If you are new to town, Harrison Brothers is Alabama's oldest hardware store. It ran as a family business from 1879 to 1983. When the family closed shop, the Historic Huntsville Foundation bought the building in 1984 to keep the retail tradition alive.
The building was built in 1901 and sits on Southside Square, welcoming over 30,000 visitors a year. It is also the only North Alabama site on the National Park Service's Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. Stop by and see them at 124 Southside Square.
TAKING FLIGHT
👨🚀 Two New Restaurants Coming to Bridge Street
You are about to have two new reasons to visit Bridge Street. The shopping center announced that Shake Shack and Sweet Paris Crèperie & Café are both coming soon.
Shake Shack started as a hot dog stand in New York City and has since become known for its Angus beef burgers, crinkle-cut fries, hand-spun shakes, and frozen custard.
Sweet Paris Crèperie & Café serves a mix of sweet and savory crêpes, along with waffles, paninis, salads, specialty coffees, and other café favorites.
Sweet Paris is expected to open in fall 2026, and Shake Shack is currently slated to arrive sometime in 2027.
🥩 Perry's Steakhouse Is Coming to MidCity
Big news for local steak lovers. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille is officially opening its second Alabama location at MidCity in Summer 2027.
The Texas-based chain has been drawing crowds in Birmingham for a decade. It is best known for its massive slow-smoked pork chop, Japanese A-5 Wagyu beef, and tableside presentations.
The Huntsville location will seat up to 350 guests and feature an open kitchen along with a wine wall and bar.
🛍 Sweet Pineapple's Next Chapter Begins at Lendon Corner
Sweet Pineapple is getting a major upgrade in Jones Valley. After more than a decade in Huntsville, the locally loved shop is temporarily closed while moving into a larger new location at Lendon Corner.
Sweet Pineapple is known for its curated selection of home goods, baby gifts, jewelry, apparel, and accessories. The shop will serve as the centerpiece of Lendon Corner, which will also include three additional spaces for retailers and restaurants.
The store officially opens Monday, August 3 at 9:30 AM, with ticketed preview days scheduled July 30 through August 1.
EXPLORE THE ROCKET CITY
🐶 GHHS Masquerade Party. Saturday, August 1, 5 to 7 PM at Annabella at Cedar Glen. Help raise money for the Greater Huntsville Humane Society with a night of music, ballet, and hors d'oeuvres.
Saturday, July 25
🚂 Magic on the Mercury & Chase at the North Alabama Railroad Museum. Step through the famous brick wall at Platform 9¾ and board the train.
🏛 100th Anniversary Block Party at the Historic Times Building. Learn the history behind one of Huntsville's most historic venues with family-friendly activities.
⚾ Trash Pandas Christmas in July at Toyota Field. The first 1,000 fans through the gates get a snow globe.
🍸 Serial Killer Speakeasy at Monte Sano State Park. Four infamous stories paired with expertly crafted cocktails.
🌿 Shakespeare in the Garden at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. The Taming of the Shrew surrounded by the natural beauty of the gardens.
🕺 DISCO Night at The Electric Belle. Dust off your funkiest threads and hit the dance floor.
🎸 The Heartshakers at VBC Mars Music Hall. The ultimate Tom Petty experience.
Sunday, July 26
🛍 The Vintage Market at Field Day. Vintage finds, handmade goods, boutique clothing, and more from local vendors.
⚾ Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field. Player autographs, face painting, and kids run the bases after the game.
💿 Vinyl Record and Collectibles Show at the Jaycees Building. Vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and music memorabilia.
🏝 Island Fever at Entice Bar and Grill. The hottest island night in Huntsville.
Monday, July 27
🎶 Concerts in the Park at Big Spring Park. A free concert from Lana White & The Heights followed by Tripleplay.
👢 Line Dance Lessons at The Beer Hog. Grab your boots and a partner.
Tuesday, July 28
🎬 Christopher Nolan Movie Trivia at Stovehouse. Put your Nolan knowledge to the test.
🍣 Beginner Sushi Class at Straight to Ale. Learn how to make the perfect roll.
Thanks for making it to the end. Have a great weekend!
Content sourced from Huntsville Explorer, a free weekly newsletter covering local news, events, and development in the Rocket City. Published every Friday by Andrew Smith.
