In Brief: City Commission Gives Green Light to Rail District Brewery

In front of a packed house and despite several complaints from residents, the City Commission approved plans for the Griffin Claw Brewing Company on Eton Street.

Monday was a long and busy night for the Birmingham City Commission, but after three hours of discussion, presentations and public comments, commissioners approved the final site plans and special land use permit for the Griffin Claw Brewing Company for 563 and 575 Eton St. The restaurant will be owned and operated by Norman LaPage, who currently owns Birmingham's Big Rock Chop House and The Reserve, both of which are located down the street from the proposed lot next to the Whistle Stop Restaurant. The lot is currently empty except for a small building on the north corner, which will be torn down to make way for the nearly 12,000 square-foot brewery, restaurant and beer garden. There will be a parking lot in the back of the restaurant …

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On the Storefront

Business Briefs: Chen Chow Launches Celebrity Sushi Program

We've got your weekly update of what's going in Birmingham's business community.

Here's a snapshot of activity in Birmingham's business community this week: Chen Chow Brasserie has launched a celebrity sushi program this November to raise funds for, and awareness of, local nonprofit organizations. Each month, the restaurant will partner with a local, regional or national figure to feature a signature sushi roll in support of his or her charity of choice. To kick off the program, executive chef Benjamin Meyer created a maki roll inspired by WDIV-TV, Channel 4, anchorwoman Rhonda Walker. The Rhonda Walker Roll — prepared with orange coriander poached tiger shrimp, deviled crab and avocado — will be featured on the sushi menu throughout November for $16. A portion of each sale will be donated to the Rhonda Walker …

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