The Hive

The Woolworth (originally announced as Five Points Social) is a bar, restaurant and entertainment venue which opened in 2018 in the former Woolworth's/Five Points Market/Bailey Brothers Music location at 1006-1012 20th Street South in Five Points South.

The venue was developed by Orchestra Partners (John Boone and Hunter Renfroe) who purchased the building for $1.3 million in January 2017.

The Woolworth features "duckpin" bowling lanes, ping-pong tables, dartboards and other social games alongside a full bar and kitchen.

In 2020, in the context of both a shutdown of entertainment centers due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and widespread protests for racial justice, the Woolworth's dress code was circulated on social media where many perceived it as racist for prohibiting styles of dress associated with Black culture. The owners apologized and rescinded the policy, promising to, "find a nondiscriminatory way to ensure a sophisticated experience."

References

• Godwin, Brent (February 14, 2017) "Social house, bowling concept coming to Five Points South." Birmingham Business Journal
• Edgemon, Erin (June 23, 2018) "Birmingham, this isn't your father's bowling alley." The Birmingham News
• Colurso, Mary (June 16, 2020) "Birmingham bar cancels ‘racist’ dress code after social media outcry." The Birmingham News