Brooklyn Pizza ownership change approved

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham staple Brooklyn Pizza, located at 111 Henrietta Street, is now under new ownership after city commissioners approved the transfer during the Monday, February 24, meeting, marking the end of an era for resident and original owner Sam Abdelfatah who started the business in 1996.

According to planning director Nick Dupuis, the ownership was transferred over to 111 Brooklyn Bham LLC. The building was recently expanded into the adjacent space along with some exterior work. Dupuis said the work was associated with becoming a bistro and being able to serve alcohol, which is also why the transfer of ownership needs a special land use permit.

New owner Jim Esshaki, under 111 Brooklyn Bham LLC, is a friend of Abdelfatah, who said they’ve known each other for 20 years. Abdelfatah said he was careful about who he was selling the business to, and he feels that Esshaki and one of his sons will be a great fit to take over the restaurant.

Esshaki, a developer and owner of several commercial properties, including some in downtown Birmingham, said that he and his team are looking into making small changes that enhance the business, such as updating menu items and creating a mobile app. As of the meeting, Esshaki said there were no major changes planned to the business operations or building.

Commissioners voted unanimously, 7-0, to approve the special land use permit amendment for the ownership transfer, congratulating Abdelfatah on decades of successful business in the city and Esshaki on his new venture.