Scott’s Koneys closing after 46 years in downtown Birmingham

After 46 years of serving hot dogs to the Birmingham community, Scott’s Koneys will officially close its doors Friday, June 2.

Owner Scott Green announced the news with a note placed on the front door of his restaurant.

“As of June 2nd, 2023, I will be retiring,” Green wrote on the note posted in the window of the business. “I will retire with many memories, and I want to thank everyone for that. It has been quite a journey for 46 years.

“I have met and made many great friends and customers! I can only say ‘THANK YOU’ to all my friends and customers for making this the Greatest ‘46′ years a person could ever have! You will be missed! God Bless!”

Scott’s Koneys first opened in 1977 in downtown and added to the lineup of Birmingham hot dog eateries. The restaurant wasn’t just known for their cheap and delicious hot dogs, but also their variety of breakfast options too. The restaurant was first located near 20th Street South until 1995 when they moved to 109 20th Street South on Block 121. Since 2007, Koneys has been on the corner of 21st Street and 3rd Avenue South in the lower level food court in the BPA Deck 8.

Green said he started his business at 22-years-old and his staff that’s been with him for years is an extended part of his family. Green also said he’s grateful for the many years of running a successful business and loves the community for supporting him over the last few decades.

Green told AL.com the rent on his lease “increased substantially,” saying it would more than triple. He noted that while he felt “slighted,” he was happy and “ready for retirement.”

André Davis, Birmingham Parking Authority CEO, said after they began discussions with Green about a renewal of his lease, Green informed the BPA he had decided to retire and that they “never discussed a specific amount on what his new rent would be.”

Davis said a potential buyer of the business whom Green referenced, was told that the current market value of a new lease would be between $6,000-$7,000. “That rate would apply to a new tenant, not to Mr. Green as an existing tenant,” Davis said.