New boutique, bank branch, and hotel arrivals shape Mountain Brook business scene

Business activity in Mountain Brook picked up speed in early November 2026.

Three distinct developments mark the month: a new clothing boutique opened its doors, a major bank is preparing for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a hotel operating under a new name began welcoming guests.

Willow 31 opened a location at 2706 Cahaba Road, adjacent to Ritch’s Pharmacy. The store sells women’s clothing and accessories, including tops, dresses, rompers, shoes, and jewelry. It also carries Vera Bradley items and a selection of men’s goods. The Mountain Brook branch operates Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The company already maintains locations in Clanton and Tuscaloosa.

First U.S. Bank is set to open a new branch at 2708 Culver Road. The space formerly housed the Watkins Branch Bourbon and Brasserie restaurant. The bank, which was founded in 1952, operates more than a dozen branches in Alabama, as well as in Tennessee and Virginia. It opened a loan production office in Mountain Brook in 2016. The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce scheduled a ribbon-cutting for the new branch on Oct. 29. The branch will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hotel Wildemont recently began operations at 2655 Lane Park Road. The property formerly operated as the Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook. The redesign emphasizes the area’s garden-community roots and Southern sensibility. As an Autograph Collection Hotel, it offers guestrooms and two-bedroom suites. The facility includes a signature restaurant, private dining space, an art gallery, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and meeting space. Guests check in at 4 p.m. and check out at 11 a.m.

Local firms also marked milestones and announced new leadership. AmFirst named Alan Walker as vice president and head of construction and facilities management. Walker previously served as director of the city of Birmingham’s Department of Capital Projects. He brings more than 15 years of experience in public and private sectors. He will lead AmFirst’s capital improvement strategy, which covers construction, renovations, and facilities management. AmFirst was also selected as one of 24 credit unions nationwide to receive funding through the National Credit Union Foundation’s At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant. The credit union will use the grant to support its partnership with Vox Academy and to expand its Music, Movement and Money program. The grant period runs through Sept. 30, 2027.

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers at 2408 Canterbury Road celebrated its 10th anniversary in Mountain Brook Village. The store has been in business for more than 25 years. A mother-daughter team owns the shop, which features modern pieces with influences from Indian culture. It offers custom-designed gemstone and handcrafted metal items, including engagement and bridal sets. The inventory also includes bracelets, bangles, earrings, necklaces, pearls, and men’s jewelry.

Ruby Ansley Interiors at 2806 Petticoat Lane is celebrating its 63rd anniversary. Founded by Ruby Ansley, the firm is now owned by Sallie Aman. It provides professional design services for residential and commercial properties. The firm works with builders, architects, and craftsmen to create settings that match client tastes. It offers in-store purchases and maintains a large showroom window for displays of room settings and accessories. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.