By Chanda Temple
In late 2024, Armando Martinez wanted to bring a restaurant to downtown Birmingham, where people could experience elevated Tex Mex and his Mexican roots.
As he drove by a building with boarded-up windows at Second Avenue and 13th Street North, he took a deep breath and wondered, “What if?”
What if this spot could become his spot.
At the time, there were no sidewalks and the brush was overgrown. But there was possibility.
“What I saw was Regions Field and Railroad Park,” Armando, 31, said, citing that the building is less than one block from both. “I said, ‘Those are two anchors that can sustain this place. And there were also a few apartments that were done at the time, and two apartments under construction.’ ”
The idea simmered within his soul for a few months. He even looked at another location a few blocks over. But there was something about the building in the Parkside District that pulled him back.
In 2025, he contacted the landlord, and they had several conversations about Armando’s vision. Eventually, Armando inked a deal for the location, which will officially open in late April 2026 for lunch and dinner. He calls the restaurant De Nada, which means “You’re Welcome,” in Spanish.
He named the restaurant De Nada because whenever he helps others and they say, “Thank you,” he does not expect anything in return. He simply responds with a “You’re welcome.”
For Armando, hospitality is just who he is. And now, it has a Birmingham address at 1300 Second Ave. South, right across from Fairway Social and next to Urban Supply.
Last week, the sound of water calmly trickled from a fountain at the front of the restaurant as Armando stood in the center of the building. Outside, the air was heavy with heat, but inside, it was light and serene.
Armando took a deep breath, just like he had done when he drove by the building more than a year ago. But this time, the wondering that filled his head had been replaced with gratitude that filled his whole being.
“It’s a really awesome experience, and I just can’t wait to show Birmingham what we have to offer,” he said. “From the moment you walk in, we want to greet each and every guest with respect, humility and a welcoming embrace because I think that’s what Birmingham reflects. I’m excited.”
Armando’s pride for the Magic City and Mexico can be seen throughout the building, including in a huge mural that covers the whole back wall of the restaurant. Created by Alabama-based muralist Emma Gilbert, the images feed the guests just like the food.
Life in Mexico can be seen in the brushstrokes, including street food carts; popular performers, such as the late “Queen of Tejano Music” Latin singer Selena; and the oldest church in Mexico. Birmingham can also be seen in an image of Vulcan at the top; the Spanish greeting of Bievendos Birmingham, which means Welcome, Birmingham; and the word De Nada painted on a sign the shape of the one outside the Alabama Theatre.
Armando’s parents immigrated from Mexico in the early 1980s, and those roots flow through the restaurant, too. Armando, his wife, Cassi, and their three children are seen playing in the mural. In the center of the mural are two cowboys, one from Mexico and one from America, both representing unity as they high five each other.
The blending of both cultures can be tasted in some of the dishes such as the Cowboy ribeye steak, which features chimichurri, bacon, and cream cheese tornado, grilled bell peppers and house cut garlic fries. It comes highly recommend from Armando, who has created a menu where the cultures settle in and sync up to showcase street tacos, enchiladas, homemade churros with whipped cream; the Spain-inspired patatas braves (fried potatoes served with a mild and sweet tomato sauce, cotija, queso fresco and parsley); and more.
“More than anything, we are putting a different spin on things. We have a mahi mahi I think that is out of this world,” he said, adding that 80 percent of the recipes are connected to him and 20 percent are from Chef Sergio Mendoza. “I haven’t tried anything like it. It will be served over white rice, black beans, avocado and salsa.”
The terra cotta-colored floors, windows and ceiling are original to the building. But the restaurant contains new decor reminiscent of Mexico, including the colors, plants and a fountain, which is popular in Mexican plazas. On a smaller wall near the restrooms are family photos, including Armando’s grandmother; his parents; and his wife’s father walking down a Birmingham street. Another wall features handprints of his three children.
Tucked in a corner is a tall, hand carved statue from Mexico known as Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is tied to the Catholic faith. It once stood in a Mexican restaurant Armando’s father owned in Irondale.
Its presence underscores the legacy of family Armando seeks to build in Birmingham.
In his father’s restaurant, Armando grew up serving salsa and chips, washing dishes and cooking. Now, as he prepares to open De Nada, that carved piece will once again stand watch over a family focused on serving but with a new approach to its food.
“I wanted to create something of my own. Something with my personal touch on it,” Armando said.
Savor This! De Nada will feature tortillas, blue corn and flour, which are made fresh, daily, as well the guacamole, flan and tres leches cake. They will also have Lone Star fajitas made with ribeye, grilled chicken or shrimp; and quesa barria tacos that feature slow cooked short ribs, melted Oaxaca, consome, rice, beans, cilantro, onion and cotiga. Other dishes include queso dip, pollo con mole, protein bowls, tamales, off-the cob street corn, fresh tortilla chips and different-flavored salsas. On the side of the building is a window for people from the outside, to place churros orders to go. In that space, guests can see employees making the tortillas and churros.
The 4,582-square-foot space will offer 149 indoor seats, including bar seating. They plan to offer brunch several months after opening. CCR Architecture & Interiors was responsible for the restaurant’s design, and Blackstone Construction did the buildout.
Spanish messages such as Canta Y No Wores, which means Sing Don’t Cry, is painted over the bar; and Voya Con Dias, which means Go with God, is painted above the door that guests see as they exit.
Chanda Temple is an award-winning writer living in Birmingham, Ala. She blogs at http://www.chandatemplewrites.com. If you have a food story idea, email her at chandatemple@gmail.com. Follow her on Instagram at @chandatemple.
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