BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Joyland, the popular Avondale eatery known for its smash burgers and comfort food, has permanently closed its doors after nearly two years in business.
The casual neighborhood restaurant, located at 3719 Third Ave. S., officially opened on Aug. 15, 2024. The concept was created by James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock in partnership with the Pihakis Restaurant Group.
Joyland General Manager Jake Blankenship announced the permanent closure in a social media post, noting that the restaurant shut down following Sunday night’s service.
“First thing I want to say is, thank you all for hanging out with us, joining us and making this place very special,” Blankenship said. “You know, we are just as sad to see it go as you are. We are eternally grateful that you decided to spend your time here with us, enjoy some delicious food, share some awesome stories and build some great relationships.”
— Joyland General Manager Jake Blankenship
The restaurant gained a following for quick bites like curly fries and its signature “Original Crustburger.”
Brock, who won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast in 2010, is widely known for creating several of the Southeast’s most prominent casual and fine-dining concepts. His culinary career has been featured on television programs including “The Mind of a Chef,” “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” and Netflix’s “Chef’s Table.”
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“I just want to say thank you and I’m sad to see it go,” Blankenship added in his post. “We won’t forget about you and we hope you don’t forget about us. Maybe we’ll see you soon.”
Attempts by WBRC to contact the Pihakis Restaurant Group for comment via email were unsuccessful.
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