HOOVER – Guests will experience a warm welcome and indulgent comfort foods when they walk through Metro Diner’s doors for the first time.

The second Metro Diner restaurant in Alabama, with the other in Tuscaloosa, will be coming to the former Steak n’ Shake location in Inverness with plans to open in early fall.

The building will be completely remodeled, according to spokeswoman Maru Acosta, and will seat about 124 people and feature a patio.

Acosta said the restaurant will employ about 100 local residents.

Metro Diner, which has been featured in an episode of the Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” features a menu that includes everything from diner classics to gluten-friendly options.

Favorites include fried chicken and waffles topped with house-made strawberry butter and signature sweet and spicy sauce, and Charleston shrimp and grits.

“The large portion sizes enable every guest to enjoy a delicious meal at a great value, with most dishes priced under $15,” Acosta said.

Breakfast is served all day, along with lunch and dinner. In addition to made-from-scratch dishes, guests can enjoy beer, wine, mimosas and bloody marys.

“Metro Diner makes sure that guests don’t have to go far to discover new delicious dishes by featuring daily blackboard specials with quality ingredients and a scratch kitchen where they make their own sauces, soups and compotes,” Acosta said. “In addition, Metro Diner hand cuts their home fries and cracks fresh eggs daily.”

Prior to the restaurant’s opening, Metro Diner will host charity days benefitting two local organizations, Acosta said.

“Living in Birmingham for over 10 years and working in the restaurant business, I know the area very well,” said Travis Grappo, joint venture partner for Metro Diner. “Our commitment to quality and fast execution will be a hit in the Valleydale/280 area, which is beginning to grow with lots of great businesses. We are very excited to bring this wonderful concept to the Birmingham market.”

For more information, visit MetroDiner.com.