Longstanding Birmingham entertainment venue closing after 30 years; plans to relocate

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBMA) — After more than 30 years, Zydeco, a longstanding entertainment venue in Birmingham is shutting down.

Zydeco, has been a mainstay business in the Five Points South district dating back to 1989.

Zydeco is a restaurant, bar, and live music venue, hosting several artist over the years, including Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, and John Mayer.

The building that it operates in, has been standing since 1909, a location that originally belonged to the Birmingham Chapter of The Phoenix Club, before being changed to Zydeco 80 years later.

Club owner Arthur Hood says the decision comes as the business has had to undergo several challenges as well as a decline in visitors to the area.

“Faced with increased operating costs, as well as maintenance and upkeep on a 115-year-old building, we have made the decision to cease operations in Five Points South,” Hood said.

In a post on Facebook, Zydeco announced they intend to relocate by the spring of 2025, and that they will continue to maintain a social media presence to keep their customers updated on their process.

Several customers expressed their feelings about the closing of the building online in the comment section, thanking the venue for creating memories in their lives.

Zydeco ended their social media post with the message, “This is not the end, but the beginning.”