New downtown eatery aims for home-style atmosphere

Source: Birmingham Eccentric
The commitment of Minneapolis-based Buca di Beppo to occupy space at the Palladium at Birmingham complex represents the first of three eateries to locate there, according to Jim Weiner, president of Related Retail Corp. – the company building the Palladium.

Buca di Beppo, translated loosely in casual Sicilian to mean Joe's Basement, is a family-style restaurant that trades fun for flash in decor and offers enormous portions to guests.

Common to Buca di Beppo are loud colors and basement recreation room-style decorations and pictures hanging on the walls.

Weiner said the restaurant's decision to occupy space in the Palladium is appropriate because half of the restaurant will occupy a portion of the building's basement.

"These are great places to eat and I'm sure it will do well in Birmingham," Weiner said.

Currently under construction, the Palladium at Birmingham project on the site of the former Crowley's building at North Old Woodward and Hamilton streets will eventually include residential condominium units, a theater complex, retail stores and office space.

Weiner said the Buca di Beppo restaurant will be custom built to fit the company's needs.

So far Weiner knows the company is looking for a facility to seat 250 people and include as many as two private banquet rooms.

Work on the structure is on schedule and Weiner projects a November opening.
Source: Birmingham Eccentric