SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar announced today that their second location will open in early 2022. This location will be in Birmingham, Alabama at The Pizitz Food Hall (1801 1st Ave N).

Located in the heart of Downtown Birmingham (in the vibrant 2nd Avenue North District), this new location is just steps away from the city’s key destinations (Historic Theatre District, Railroad Park, Regions Field, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and more). The Pizitz is connected to the city’s past but alive with the energy of a reimagined downtown.

From Fried Lobster Deviled Eggs to Oprah’s Favorite Shrimp & Grits, the restaurant will continue focusing on seafood and elevated southern food — with a reinvention on classic southern traditions.

“We are so excited about coming to Birmingham,” says Erica Barrett, Owner of SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar. “Of course, we are looking forward to helping boost the city’s economy by opening our second location there.”

The restaurant, which originally opened in 2019, was created by Chef Erica Barrett, a Mobile-native and chef. Barrett’s SOCU Kitchen brand (which includes her own line of flavored waffle/pancake mixes, bacon rubs, grits and coffees) has gained national buzz from being featured in Shark Tank and CNBC’s The Profit.

She also authored a cookbook, “Shuga & Seoul,” which is a collection of sweet and soulful recipes from the depths of the South.

“The Pizitz Food Hall is thrilled to welcome SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar to Birmingham. From the signature oysters to the fried chicken and waffles, SOCU will bring something fresh and exciting to the downtown Birmingham food scene.” said DeeDee Shashy, leasing manager for Bayer Properties. “SOCU will provide our guests with a new culinary experience that is unlike anything else in Birmingham. We can’t wait for the city to experience this unique concept from Chef Erica Barrett.”

Menu items at SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar will include Candied Bacon/Fried Lobster Deviled Eggs, Cajun Chicken Spring Rolls, Charbroiled Oysters/SOCU Signature Oysters, Macaroni & Cheese, Collard Greens, Jalapeno Creamed Corn, Seafood Dressing, Hennessey Peach Cobbler, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Double Fried Pork Chop with Crawfish Gravy, Cajun Lamb Lollipops and Oprah’s Favorite Stone Ground Grits (which include shaved parmesan and garlic topped with Gulf shrimp).

SOCU is also looking forward to playing an active philanthropic role in Birmingham, like their Mobile location. Some of these philanthropic events include providing free meals to families at their annual Friendsgiving event.

For more general information or to set up any interviews or features, please contact Lamont Johnson at Lamont@ArtDepartmentPR.com or via phone at 305.219.2242.