She’s Behind Some of BHAM’s Most Instagram-Worthy Bars
She's the woman behind Juniper's gorgeous botanical vibe and Avondale's newest watering hole, Lucky Stranger. Meet Ali Randall, the Magic City cocktail queen! Image: Mary Fehr Photography
If there’s one thing Ali Randall has always known, it’s that she was destined to be an entrepreneur. When her husband’s job brought her to Birmingham, the former Zappos shoe buyer decided to pursue her lifelong dream and opened Juniper, a hip (and stunningly beautiful) gin bar in Forest Park. After getting a taste for the beverage industry, Ali recently opened her second Birmingham bar, Lucky Stranger, in Avondale. We caught up with the cocktail maven to chat about Juniper, her newest venture, and bringing dreams to life amid the daily grind.
How did Juniper come to be?
Since I was little, I always knew I wanted to open either a hotel or a restaurant, and I had a focus on entrepreneurship in college. I took a job as a buyer so that I could learn to manage a portfolio and get the feel of running a business. When I moved to Birmingham, and COVID-19 struck, I found myself with an abundance of time — I used it to finally pursue this dream.
I was interviewing local business owners and ended up meeting Blake Posey, who was the front-of-house manager at The Essential at the time. He told me that he had always been interested in owning his own restaurant, and he ended up being the perfect fit for my gaps in knowledge.
Alden Williams, who helped design the space, was a friend who ran an antique booth, and I always admired her style. We were lucky enough to get her time and energy in the space, and she became part owner as well.
As co-owner, what’s your primary area of focus at Juniper?
I focus more on the 10,000-foot view as I still have a nine-to-five career and am a new mom. I manage the books and work as a sounding board for Blake and our chef, Stephen Thompson.
Juniper is easily one of the most gorgeous bars around town. What was the inspiration for the design?
I’m honored you think that! We actually had a ton of our decor delayed because of COVID-19, plus we had a really limited budget, so we had to get creative and find local art and furniture.
Most of it was found on Facebook Marketplace, in local antique shops, and at estate sales. Some of my favorite memories are driving around Birmingham to source these pieces and getting to know more of my new city!
What’s your favorite summer menu pairing at Juniper?
I love the heirloom tomato and burrata that Stephen just added to the menu, and our take on a Pimm’s Cup that Blake just put on.
You just debuted a brand new bar concept. What can you tell us about it?
My new bar, Lucky Stranger, is taking over the old Parkside location in Avondale. Design-wise, it’s a completely different concept from Juniper, but it will still focus on fostering community in the local neighborhood.
We’re aiming for a nostalgic, comfortable vibe that anyone can feel welcome in, whether they’re stopping by after a long bike ride or looking for the perfect after-wedding spot in their finest attire. We’ve also partnered with Lee from Gus’s Hot Dogs to handle food service from the airstream in the backyard, and we’re excited to offer late-night bites to our guests.
Where do you take out-of-town guests to show off the best of the Magic City?
That’s a tough one because we have so many amazing places in Birmingham. I’m a huge fan of Salud downtown because I could eat tacos almost every day. And also The Garage’s ambiance! I love our neighbors at the General & Shoppe, too. Mark and Jay did an incredible job with the decor, making the spaces feel so elevated yet homey.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love to plot renovations for both my home and businesses. Having been working on the new bar, I feel happiest when my hands are covered in paint because I get to see a physical change. So much of my day job is working on the computer and in spreadsheets, which can also be rewarding in ways, but I love to see my effort show up so immediately when I put in the sweat.
If life hadn’t led you to the food and beverage industry, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Honestly, I would probably be working my nine-to-five job and still constantly thinking about businesses I want to start. I always have something I’m dreaming up and puzzling on, and then I build a spreadsheet to see if the financials actually make sense.
What’s your favorite tip for making gin cocktails at home?
Always have a quality tonic on hand, like Fever-Tree or Q, and fresh citrus.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
My focus right now is on trying to surprise people and give them something to talk about beyond the typical experience. I want our guests to have to talk about their time at Juniper or Lucky Stranger when they get back to work on Mondays, because something stood out to them. Having fun and being whimsical in a space is my favorite way to do that.
What is your best piece of advice?
Surround yourself (in both your home and work lives) with quality people who will give you critical feedback when you ask for it. Nothing in a restaurant gets done solo, so build a team that you can rely on. I have an amazing husband and close group of friends that are low-drama, smart, driven, and positive. They’re the best sounding boards.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
All-time fave gin cocktail: Gimlet!
Last delicious local meal: Either the burrata from Bettola or the California burrito with chips and queso from Salud.
Your go-to gift to give: Quirky coffee table books.
Favorite recent TV show binge: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Book(s) on your bedside table: All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley.
Three things you can’t live without: An airport nearby, tacos, and Excel.
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Birmingham women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.