Foo Hai, a new handmade noodles and dumplings concept from Atlanta outfit Urban Hai, is slated to bring its steaming baskets and noodle pulls to Homewood this spring. The shop is set to move into the ground-floor retail space at Aloft Birmingham SoHo Square, taking over the storefront that previously served as the hotel’s in-house restaurant.
According to CBS42, the full name of the new spot will be Foo Hai Handmade Noodles & Dumplings, with an opening penciled in for March or April 2026. The outlet noted that no menu had been announced at the time of reporting, so for now diners will have to stay curious.
Where It Will Be
Foo Hai is set for the Aloft’s ground floor at 1903 29th Avenue South in Homewood, according to the hotel’s listing on Marriott. Local records indicate that the same address previously housed a Michael's Steakhouse operation, per bhamwiki.
From Atlanta Roots
Urban Hai opened in Midtown Atlanta in 2022 and lists Chef Hai Wang and restaurateur Gary Lin among its founders, according to the restaurant’s own website. The original Atlanta location has built a reputation for spicy Sichuan dishes and handmade dumplings, a calling card noted by Eater Atlanta.
What To Expect
The Foo Hai name signals a clear emphasis on handmade noodles and dumplings, although details on prices, hours, and seating have not been released. If Urban Hai’s Midtown menu is any indication, Homewood diners may see soup dumplings, spicy noodle bowls, and other regionally varied Chinese dishes once doors open.
Local Context
SoHo Square has been adding more dining options in recent years, and a hotel-level concept from an out-of-state brand could draw both travelers checking in upstairs and neighbors strolling by at street level. We will update this story when Foo Hai releases a menu or locks in a firm opening date.
