Homewood Gourmet is a casual eatery offering gourmet sandwiches and salads, homemade sides, made with fresh, local ingredients. We proudly serve locally sourced produce, all natural and organic ingredients whenever possible. Chris and Laura Zapalowski are the owners and chefs at Homewood Gourmet.
Chris brings his love of New Orleans cuisine and heritage while Laura implements her classic Southern food style to their Homewood establishment. The Zapalowskis purchased Homewood Gourmet from its founder, Chef Franklin Biggs in 2010. They strive to creative approach to food while incorporating as many local, seasonal produce as possible. Chris grew up in New Orleans where he developed his passion for food and cooking. He has worked for Chef Anne Kearney while she was at Peristyle, for Chef Emeril Lagasse at Emeril’s Restaurant, and Chef Chris Hastings of the Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama.
Laura is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and began her culinary career at Homewood Gourmet under Chef Franklin Biggs. She attended Samford University and The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City and has worked for The Food Network, Southern Living Magazine, Health Magazine, Emeril’s Restaurant and Emeril’s Homebase, Time Inc. Digital Studios as well as the Hot and Hot Fish Club. They are proud members of The Birmingham Originals, The Southern Foodways Alliance and Les Dames d’ Escoffier of Birmingham. Because of their love of local, quality food they strive to bring the very best to the food served in a fun, casual atmosphere. Homewood Gourmet aims to be your go-to local sandwich shop and can’t wait to see you soon.