You Won't Believe What Happened When a Car Smashed Into This Birmingham Health Store!

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Bama Health Foods, a beloved local health food store in Birmingham, remains open for business despite a harrowing incident early Sunday morning when a car crashed through the front window. The incident occurred around 4 a.m., as alarms blared across the west side of Birmingham, awakening a few nearby residents.

Jacquie Fazekas-Varner, the owner of Bama Health Foods, recounted the moment, saying, “We awoke to alarms, and on the cameras, we saw there had been a car that gone through the front window of our store.” Fortunately, while the store sustained significant damage, including shattered glass and a destroyed wall, no one was injured in the crash.

Assessing the aftermath, Fazekas-Varner expressed surprise at the situation. “They pulled the car out — praise God our store was standing! The damage seemed devastating at first glance with the bricks and the front window gone, but upon actually going in and when daylight hit, we realized this could’ve been far worse,” she said.

In the hours following the incident, crews quickly boarded up the damaged storefront, launching cleanup efforts to restore the store as quickly as possible. “We’ve seen and we’ve lived through far worse, so anything is possible with God as we like to say it,” she added, showcasing her resilience in the face of adversity.

Resilience and Community Support

Bama Health Foods has a long history in the Birmingham community, having served residents since 1960. Fazekas-Varner described the store as “the little store that could,” emphasizing its importance in the neighborhood. In 2018, it was on the brink of closing down, but Fazekas-Varner felt a calling to keep it open, despite not being an Alabamian herself.

The store has faced several challenges over the years, including surviving the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and a devastating fire in 2022. Following this recent incident, Fazekas-Varner has made it clear that they’re committed to staying open. “Our big message is we ain’t going any place! We’re here. We’re standing, and we are meant to be here, and nothing is going to thwart that effort,” she declared.

Just one day after the car wreck, Bama Health Foods resumed operations, welcoming customers back to the store. “People need the supplements, herbs, food access, everything — in order to improve their health,” Fazekas-Varner explained. “But some of the biggest things that people need in our community is what we offer — and that’s Vitamin L, love, and Vitamin H, hope. That’s why it’s important that we stand strong because community and fellowship is nourishment to the soul.”

As the store works to rebuild, they are operating with modified hours, keeping the community informed through updates on their Facebook page. This incident serves as a testament to the resilience of local businesses and the crucial role they play in fostering community spirit and support.

For those in Birmingham and beyond, Bama Health Foods stands as a symbol of hope and perseverance, reminding us all of the strength found in community ties.