Samford University 2013 alumni Nathan Pearman and Cory Jackson launched the new Birmingham Food Magazine at the end of November. The magazine focuses on the unique and evolving food culture in the Birmingham, Ala., area.

“It’s a joke turned real,” said Pearman, a graduate of Samford’s Journalism & Mass Communication department. “I was talking with my dad at the beginning of the summer…about local food magazines. I always liked food, and definitely local food. We [Cory and I] just took a leap.”

The first edition of Birmingham Food Magazine features local favorites such as Moe’s Original BBQ, Darlene’s Kitchen, and Samford’s own Executive Chef and President of Campus Dining, Chris Vizzina.

“Most of these stories, we just did friendly interviews,” said Pearman. “Sit down, have some food with these people…it was natural.”

Pearman credits his time in Samford’s JMC department for helping to instill the confidence to start this new venture.

“With everything you learn [in JMC], you realize you are capable of creating almost anything,” said Pearman.

Though there are similar magazines in the Birmingham area, Pearman and Jackson discovered they are only produced once or twice a year, and generally for paid subscribers.

“I knew I wanted ours to be a free magazine,” said Pearman. “I wanted it to be available to anyone and everyone, and I wanted it to come out every month.” Additionally, Birmingham Food Magazine is available to view online.

“We’re also distinguishing ourselves by including social media promotion for our advertisers,” said Pearman. “If you advertise with us, we’ll put you in the magazine, online, and on social media; it’s all wrapped up in the one price.”

Copies of Birmingham Food Magazine can be found at various restaurants, markets, and businesses throughout the Birmingham area. For more information about, visit their website at www.bhamfoodmag.com. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Contact Nathan Pearman (Creative Editor): spearmaniv@bhamfoodmag.com
Contact Cory Jackson (Managing Editor): cjackson@bhamfoodmag.com