Forbes #1 Best Large Employer in America

Beating out the likes of Netflix, Trader Joe’s, Google, and Yale, UAB was named as Forbes #1 Best Large Employer in America.  Citing its commitment to the community and investing in its employees, helped Forbes put UAB at the top of their 2021 list.


Travel + Leisure  #5 Best Places to Travel in 2021


Focusing on domestic destinations, Travel + Leisure named Birmingham # 5 on their list of 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021.  Naming such stand-outs as Automatic Seafood and Oysters, Paper Doll, Pizitz Food Hall, and Railroad Park, the magazine described the Magic City’s allure as a place  “where contemporary charm and old Southern hospitality mingle on a big scale.”

2021 Best Cities for Recent College Grads



Birmingham was ranked as one of the Best Cities for 2021 College Graduates by SmartAsset.  The ranking was based on 3 categories: jobs, affordability, and fun. Not surprisingly, Birmingham scored highest in FUN!


James Beard Award Semi-finalists



Although eventually having to cancel the awards ceremony due to the pandemic, The James Beard Foundation selected 4 Birmingham Semifinalists for The 2020 Restaurant & Chef Awards.  Semifinalists included: Best New Restaurant - Automatic Seafood & Oysters; Outstanding Bar Program - The Atomic Lounge; Outstanding Hospitality - Chez Fonfon; Best Chef (South) - Timothy Hontzas, Johnny’s Restaurant.


Lead Photo: UAB University Relations