06/30/2025
A note and so many thanks
Friends, I have some sad news to share. Effective July 12th, Red Bird Produce will be out of business. Of course this decision was not made easily and I’ve fought hard, lost sleep, sacrificed family time and resources and expended every ounce of creative energy I have to change the outcome.
Along the past 18 months, we’ve brought good food to Avondale by supporting our local farmers. That was always our goal and I am damned proud to say we’ve worked with over two dozen farmers and just about as many coffee roasters, artists and other local makers. And one baker, Bandit Patisserie. I’m happily directing you from this time forward to their retail location on 1st.
We’ve had amazing super-part-time employees that have made Red Bird a success. From Aubrey in his first job to Britt, Lilly, Sammy and Taylor, each brought their unique, quirky and talented selves fully to the work, though I could never pay them what they deserve!
We have hosted markets, poetry nights, storytimes by Mrs. Cristin, live music from folks like James Mullis, and food popups by the likes of Gumbo to Geaux, Gus’ Hot Dogs and VeganFiend. We’ve slung strawberries and peaches at the Birmingham Folk Festival and Vegan Fest. We were a sponsor for Red Mountain Community School’s 20th anniversary Gala.
You, our community, came through with over $5,000 in startup funds through GoFundMe, even before we opened our doors. As we were celebrating our one year anniversary ya’ll crowdfunded a loan to get us through.
This spring we started a partnership with Cha House Tea & Community. I absolutely cannot imagine this year without Cierra’s friendship, courage and dedication to our community. We’ll sort out the grief later, over tea, tears and h**p drinks together, but I wouldn’t trade a day we’ve spent together bringing goodness and life to our neighborhood. She’s brought in music, yoga, dance and brought so much beauty to the space.
Cierra is working out a plan for Cha House and we’re hoping for wild, unexpected future life in the space under her leadership. Follow her for updates, support her gofundme (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-cha-house-keep-community-alive) and keep coming in for tea, music and events!!
And Amber from Veggie Fiend. Together with Cierra, they are plotting an expansion of our original mission to bring good food to Avondale by supporting local farms. Check out her gofundme as well! (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-amber-equip-vegan-cafe)
Speaking of physical space. We have been blessed beyond anything to have rented space from Beloved Community Church. I made one phone call when I was looking for where I wanted Red Bird to be and this was it. Without their support, flexibility and belief in this project we never would have made it this far.
And to my family. My dad and I built the shelving together. That’s a memory I will always carry with me. And to my kids. You’ve seen them, no doubt, running wild through the store. Occasionally helping. More often putting up with a dad who was only halfway there. And to my partner who has believed in me, sacrificed her time and supported my crazy dreams. Thank you a million times over.
Anytime a good thing, a thing you’ve sunk your heart and soul into, comes to an end the human tendency is to look for reasons, lessons and someone to blame. Reasons? Sure, plenty to point to along the way. Lessons? Only a lifetime of ‘em. Someone to blame? Nah. Life is a grand experiment. Speaking personally, I followed a flow state, trusted my gut more than I ever thought possible and I am so much the richer for it.
Ya’ll, come in and help us go out in style these next couple of weeks! We may be ending but we’re not finished quite yet!
Speaking of which. Our hours for the next couple of weeks will look like this:
July 1-3 (Tue-Thu) - 7-3
July 4-6 (Fri-Sun) - Closed for the 4th
July 8-11 (Tue-Fri) - 7-3
July 12 (Saturday) - 8-3
We’re hoping to go out with a joyful, exuberant last hurrah so we’re looking at putting together some music, some specials and we’re gonna lean in to all the goodness this adventure has produced (Yes, that dad pun is as intentional as it is fabulous)!
Love ya’ll.
Casey
