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Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet

The partnership is turning two aerospace development rivals into teammates in the game to land work around the $185 billion Golden Dome initiative.

Aerospace

Colorado Springs and Huntsville are putting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their feud over" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/20/trump-colorado-springs-space-command-amicus-brief" data-vars-content-id="0c606f75-b416-4b9f-b49f-38ce56e676b5" data-vars-headline="Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/20/trump-colorado-springs-space-command-amicus-brief" target="_self">their feud over</a> U.S. Space Command behind them to focus on the next big aerospace imperative: Golden Dome. Why it matters: The partnership is turning two aerospace development rivals into teammates in the game to land work around the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$185 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/22/trump-guetlein-golden-dome-interceptors" data-vars-content-id="0c606f75-b416-4b9f-b49f-38ce56e676b5" data-vars-headline="Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/22/trump-guetlein-golden-dome-interceptors" target="_self">$185 billion</a> Golden Dome initiative.

Alabama submits bid to build Space Academy in Huntsville

Landing the academy would be another generational opportunity for the Rocket City, further cementing its status as an aerospace hub.

With U.S. Space Command&#x27;s relocation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in full swing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/10/space-command-huntsville-alabama-redstone-arsenal" data-vars-content-id="d561c643-d48f-43e0-aeab-c58946e70336" data-vars-headline="Alabama submits bid to build Space Academy in Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/10/space-command-huntsville-alabama-redstone-arsenal" target="_self">in full swing</a>, Alabama and Huntsville are setting their sights on the next big get: U.S. Space Academy.Why it matters: Landing the academy would be another generational opportunity for the Rocket City, further cementing its status as an aerospace hub and one of the country&#x27;s most important centers for space research and leadership.

Huntsville named a Secret Sauce Community with the right mix for growth

The Rocket City is earning another economic development accolade, but this time it's for what makes it different.

Huntsville has the secret sauce. Why it matters: The Rocket City is earning another economic development accolade, but this time it&#x27;s for what sets it apart: defying assumptions about what a growing American city looks like.

Advanced Navigation launches major Huntsville expansion

The Australia-based company manufactures navigational systems for when GPS isn't available.

Advanced Navigation America is launching an expansion that could more than triple its Huntsville workforce.Why it matters: The expansion adds to Huntsville&#x27;s growing advanced manufacturing field, fueled by a deep talent pool and proximity to aerospace and defense customers.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Huntsville

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

Axios Social Club is bringing readers together for dinner in Huntsville&#x27;s MidCity District on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Huntsville gets its first taste of Jeni's

It's an ice cream destination offering something different from what you'll find elsewhere in town.

Business

Jeni&#x27;s Splendid Ice Creams has landed in Huntsville — its first store in the Rocket City. Why it matters: It&#x27;s an ice cream destination offering something different from what you&#x27;ll find elsewhere in town, bringing a late-night sweet-tooth fix to the heart of downtown.

Women in Music Week puts the spotlight on female artists

The event aims to highlight and support the diverse and robust female music scene in the Rocket City.

Culture

Women in Music Week launches Friday night.Why it matters: Sandwiched in the middle of Huntsville&#x27;s Music Month, it&#x27;s an event in and of itself, highlighting and supporting the diverse and robust female music scene in the Rocket City.

Make the most of Restaurant Week's final days

If you don't make it out this weekend, you'll have to wait another year for a chance at special menu items around town.

Business Brief

Restaurant Week wraps up Monday. Why it matters: If you don&#x27;t make it out this weekend, you&#x27;ll have to wait another year for a chance at special menu items around town.

Huntsville brings Orion concessions in-house for $12M

The deal with Huntsville Venue Group Food & Beverage, LLC includes buildings and other improvements at the amphitheater's Food Village area.

Huntsville will take greater control of the publicly owned Orion Amphitheater after the City Council voted 4-1 last week to purchase the venue&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food and beverage" data-vars-click-url="https://theorionhuntsville.com/food-and-drinks/" data-vars-content-id="483b7943-9f01-451f-b119-566733364d00" data-vars-headline="Huntsville brings Orion concessions in-house for $12M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theorionhuntsville.com/food-and-drinks/" target="_blank">food and beverage</a> assets for $12 million.

Barracuda brings tacos, New Orleans vibes to downtown Huntsville

The fast-casual taco stand officially opens March 22.

Food and Drink

Barracuda Taco Stand opens Sunday in downtown Huntsville. The big picture: New Orleans-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barracuda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatbarracuda.com/" data-vars-content-id="0307b5ff-3669-4870-997b-09c84af57561" data-vars-headline="Barracuda brings tacos, New Orleans vibes to downtown Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatbarracuda.com/" target="_blank">Barracuda</a> is &quot;a neighborhood taco stand and margarita garden,&quot; with an uber-casual vibe.

Sofia's targets Jan. 24 opening in South Huntsville

The restaurant is bringing authentic Mexican and Spanish-inspired flavors handed down from the Villarreal family's roots.

Sofia&#x27;s Roadside Cantina opens its doors Jan. 24. Why it matters: Sofia&#x27;s is bringing its flavor to the rapidly growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hays Farm area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/05/hays-farm-park-gives-south-huntsville-a-gathering-place" data-vars-content-id="0b7e6552-e4fd-4ae4-9013-73b6b68e88e9" data-vars-headline="Sofia&#x27;s targets Jan. 24 opening in South Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/05/hays-farm-park-gives-south-huntsville-a-gathering-place" target="_self">Hays Farm area</a> in South Huntsville, aiming to build an inclusive, community-focused restaurant.

Two Huntsville restaurants land on inaugural Michelin guide

Huntsville's dining scene takes a leap forward as two local restaurants join the inaugural Michelin Guide to the American South.

Purveyor and Salt Smokehouse are restaurants you&#x27;ve got to visit in Huntsville, per the inaugural <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide to the American South" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/31/michelin-guide-american-south-how-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="701a2e63-9ee6-4ae2-9dae-2945262278f7" data-vars-headline="Two Huntsville restaurants land on inaugural Michelin guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/31/michelin-guide-american-south-how-to-watch" target="_self">Michelin Guide to the American South</a> in an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="earlier-than-expected announcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/03/3179448/0/en/A-Taste-of-Excellence-MICHELIN-Guide-Announces-Inaugural-American-South-Selection.html#" data-vars-content-id="701a2e63-9ee6-4ae2-9dae-2945262278f7" data-vars-headline="Two Huntsville restaurants land on inaugural Michelin guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/03/3179448/0/en/A-Taste-of-Excellence-MICHELIN-Guide-Announces-Inaugural-American-South-Selection.html#" target="_blank">earlier-than-expected announcement</a> Monday. Why it matters: The Michelin Guide is the gold standard for culinary recognition, and Huntsville&#x27;s first appearance shows the city&#x27;s dining scene is maturing into a destination.

Jim 'N Nick's opens in prime Jones Valley location

Jim 'N Nicks President Bryan Lyman said the decision to open in the area was a "no-brainer."

Birmingham-based barbecue chain Jim &#x27;N Nick&#x27;s torched the ribbon on its latest Huntsville-area location Wednesday. Why it matters: The third Jim &#x27;N Nick&#x27;s in the metro area, and the chain&#x27;s 58th location, occupies a prime corner at Cecil Ashburn Drive and Carl T. Jones Drive in Jones Valley.

Huntsville Restaurant Week kicks off in August

Around 65 restaurants are participating so far, and officials say each has been asked to feature an exclusive dish or a seasonal ingredient.

The 13th annual Huntsville Restaurant Week starts next Friday, with a brand new app and new restaurants for the ambitious Rocket City eater. Why it matters: We&#x27;re hungry, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10-day event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsville.org/events/restaurant-week/?skip=0&amp;sort=rankTitle&amp;subcatids%5B0%5D=459&amp;keyword=one" data-vars-content-id="5acc06c9-a83c-480e-b2eb-d91bf546b7c0" data-vars-headline="Huntsville Restaurant Week kicks off in August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsville.org/events/restaurant-week/?skip=0&amp;sort=rankTitle&amp;subcatids%5B0%5D=459&amp;keyword=one" target="_blank">10-day event</a> on Aug. 8-17 offers exclusive menus and special deals at Huntsville&#x27;s top restaurants.

Food and Drink 🍽

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Huntsville

Huntsville gets its first taste of Jeni's

Women in Music Week puts the spotlight on female artists

Make the most of Restaurant Week's final days

Huntsville brings Orion concessions in-house for $12M