Check out what’s new in the Auburn/Opelika area since the spring:

Now Open

Courtyard Cafe

The Courtyard Café recently opened at 1750 Opelika Road behind Waffle House at the end of July . You may remember it as Rodeo Grill, and Twistaz before that, but owner Matthew Lamb is attempting to offer something completely different than the previous owners of the spot.
“We want to have more for a restaurant atmosphere than a bar,” Lamb said.
Lamb completely renovated the spot. He brought in water fountains, changed the lighting, covered the wall with brick and brought in plants and new tables to give the restaurant the feel of a New Orleans outdoor courtyard.
The restaurant serves southern and creole style food, which includes chicken and dumplings, country fried steak, jambalaya, seafood gumbo, salads, pasta, wraps and much more.
They even offer a lunch special for $7.45 which includes one meat, two veggies and a drink, among other options.
The Courtyard Café also has a full bar, which includes liquor, bottled beer and beer on tap.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.,  and are closed on Monday.

Mixed Martial Arts

A Mixed Martial Arts training facility in the area opened in August. Randall Phillips, Keith Johnson, and Mark Longworth are martial arts teachers that offer a variety of martial arts styles at the new Auburn Mixed Martial Arts. Inspired by the expansion of the Ultimate Fighting Champions (UFC), these three gentlemen decided to get a place where they could teach this sport to everyone.
“Our focus is martial arts, getting in shape happens in the process.,” Phillips said. “We provide a full body work out with real martial arts teachers and not aerobic or cardio instructors.”
The school is open for ages 5 and up, men and women. It is located on South College in the Winn-Dixie shopping center.
“You will use muscles you didn’t even know you had!” Johnson said.

Just4Him

Sports on plasma TV’s, beautiful girls, and a pub-like atmosphere, Just4Him Men’s Haircut Lounge in Auburn caters to a man’s man who just wants a shave or cut without having to deal with the drill of a typical salon.
Just4Him is not your grandpa’s barber shop. Licensed cosmetologists offer a variety of services including waxing, highlights, and oh-so indulgent scalp massages and hot towel treatments.
Dressed in short shorts and tight tank tops, the stylists will tease more then your hair and won’t let you leave without a friendly conversation and clean new look. 
Stylist Jessica Mcqueen admitted she’s had to clear up some rumors, “No, we aren’t in bikinis, but we will give you a good haircut.”
Brothers Jake and Deek Brown, owners of Just4Him, have customized their shop with several mounted wild game heads and a “Wall of Death,” which serves as a brag board in which customers can tack up pictures of themselves with their latest catch.
The store celebrated its grand opening on June 26, and is located at 1775 Opelika Rd. Suite 10 next to the Sneaker Store just past Colonial mall

Opening Soon
New Student Union

The new student union has been under construction since 2006, but is set to officially open on Nov. 5. The 182,000-square-foot facility will contain a cafeteria, classrooms, lecture halls and many campus organizations. Every classroom will offer wireless Internet and cable TVs. Among the additions will also be a memorial dedicated to students who passed away while they were enrolled at AU.

Check back soon for more information on new openings that will include One Eighty Wellness Spa, Little Italy, Academy Sports, Koals, Bed Bath & Beyond and more!