Birmingham’s Joyland closes amid Pihakis restaurant collapse: ‘Don’t forget about us’

Another notable Alabama dining establishment has shuttered its doors as the fallout from the Pihakis Restaurant Group lawsuits continues to ripple through the industry. The Birmingham location of Joyland, which served as a staple in Avondale for the past two years, has officially closed.

The End of the Road for Joyland

General manager Jake Blankenship broke the news via social media on Monday, August 3. The restaurant, located at 3719 3rd Avenue South, finished its final service on Sunday night.

In an emotional statement posted to the restaurant's Instagram profile, Blankenship thanked the community for their support. "We are just as sad to see it go as you are," he shared. "We won’t forget about you, and I hope you don’t forget about us."

A Final Curtain Call

The closure of the Birmingham shop marks the definitive end for the Joyland brand. Founded by chef Sean Brock in 2020, the fast-casual burger chain had already shuttered its Charleston location in February, followed by the closure of its two Nashville storefronts in mid-July. The Birmingham site was the final remaining location in operation.

Fans of the concept will remember the spot for its distinct menu, headlined by the "crustburger"—a signature creation featuring two extra-crispy beef patties, American cheese, red onion, and fancy sauce on a toasted Martin’s Potato Bun—alongside its popular fried chicken sandwiches.

Impact of the Pihakis Collapse

The departure of Joyland is just one chapter in a broader wave of closures tied to the collapse of the Pihakis Restaurant Group. The group has been embroiled in a series of high-profile lawsuits since April 2026. Other brands affected by this downward trajectory include Tasty Town, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, Luca and Lucy, and Hero Doughnuts & Buns.