We Bought a Home for Our New Restaurant!
We are delighted to announce that as the proud new owners of Rucker Place, we are getting to work renovating the space into an exquisite multifaceted restaurant concept. Read our press release below to learn more!
Press Release: Historic Rucker Place to Become Chic New Restaurant
BIRMINGHAM, AL (May 12, 2021) — Historic Rucker Place is now under new ownership and set to become a multifaceted high-end restaurant. T Squared Holdings LLC purchased the property from Jack and Gail Thompson who have been hosting elegant weddings and events in the home since extensively renovating it in 2002. The purchase price was $1.22M and new ownership plans to invest another $2M+ in future renovations. Built in 1900 as a family home, Rucker Place is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And just as Jack and Gail breathed new life into the home 18 years ago, the new ownership group has plans to transform the space to realize their dream.
That dream is a multidimensional restaurant concept that combines a traditional restaurant and bar, a late-night bar and al fresco event space, pâtisserie and café for breakfast and lunch, full-service catering options, and e-commerce meal delivery for businesses and families. “This will be unique because of five distinct brand offerings that operate out of the same ‘cloud kitchen’,” says Executive Chef and new Co-owner of Rucker Place, Tyler Lyne. “The menu concept centers around classic culinary techniques and dishes enjoyed in thriving epicurean cities.”
Previous Rucker Place owner Gail Thompson is delighted to be passing ownership on to people who have a passion and vision that will honor the rich history and beauty of the property. “I’m so excited that they are creating something new, entirely different, and taking it to the next level. And it will be there for another 120 years, because they will honor it, take care of it, and keep the legacy alive,” she says, adding, “It’s their dream now. It was my dream once, and it’s been an amazing journey. Now it is theirs.”
The space will capture elegance and ease, with distinct areas for each dining experience: the light and airy pâtisserie and café, the elevated and chic formal dining room, a sophisticated upstairs bar au vins with seating for chef’s tasting menu, and the exclusive top-level members-only space—not to mention the property’s exquisite views of the city, spacious backyard, and gorgeous wraparound porches, which are being significantly widened to accommodate more outdoor seating.
“I have loved Birmingham, and the people here have been so welcoming,” says Tim Owens, a Texas native, recent Birmingham transplant, and new Co-owner of Rucker Place. “We knew we wanted to be somewhere in the South and we needed a metro area of at least one million people to support this kind of concept. When we came to visit for the first time, we immediately knew Birmingham was where we wanted to be. What sold it for us was the beautiful culture we found here and how the people treated us—like they had known us for years, extending the most genuine hospitality we had ever felt! Our vision is to be an integral part of the local community, whether guests want to dine in with us, stop by for a quick pastry, or order our catering or meal delivery. We’re also happy that Rucker Place will continue to serve as a gorgeous gathering place where Birminghamians can mark special occasions, connect over food and drink, and make amazing memories together!”