In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen speaks with Kim Nguyen, co-founder of House Eleven — a newly opened coffee bar, cocktail lounge and event venue in Birmingham’s Woodlawn neighborhood. Kim shares how she and her husband Caleb originally purchased the building as an office for their construction company, only to realize the space had the potential to become something much more meaningful. Drawing on their background in remodeling and their love for community-driven spaces, they created House Eleven with a mission to offer not just great coffee and cocktails, but also a welcoming environment for neighborhood connection.
Throughout the conversation, Kim discusses the challenges of launching a new business while finishing her MBA and raising a newborn, all while still holding a full-time job. She also shares the intentionality behind the design of House Eleven — from Facebook Marketplace furniture finds to architectural details inspired by places like Puerto Rico and Miami. The space features moody lounge rooms, a bright tropical back room and a unique offering of three espresso brands. Kim talks candidly about navigating hospitality for the first time, leaning on local coffee pros and cocktail experts and keeping the heart of the business centered on inclusivity and impact.
Mentioned in this episode:
Taylor Remodeling & Building Solutions
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