By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—Hoover is the next stop for Mugshots Grill and Bar. The restaurant franchise will open its newest location in Inverness Corners next month.

Mugshots first opened in Hattiesburg, Miss., in 2004, and has since expanded across Mississippi and into Louisiana and Alabama. The restaurant offers hearty appetizers, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads and, of course, burgers.

From the classic angus sirloin Steak Burger to the Pizza Burger Supreme—a seasoned patty piled with pepperoni, marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, sauteed onions, bell peppers and mushrooms—Mugshots has an expansive burger menu to satisfy any craving. However, the all-time favorite is definitely the McDonald, Chief Operating Officer Sam McAlister said.

“The ‘McDonald’ is by far the No. 1 selling menu item,” McAlister wrote in an email. “It has a seasoned beef patty racked with strips of hickory smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, creamy ranch, smoky BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato and red onion. It’s delicious!”

Each burger is served on a toasted sourdough or wheat bun with a heaping pile of Mugshots’ award-winning beer battered fries.

Just as important as food is Mugshots’ customer service and a friendly atmosphere, McAlister said.

“Our company culture sets us apart from other restaurants,” McAlister wrote. “Yes, we have a delicious, award-winning menu, but we hear firsthand from our customers and employees that there is no other restaurant like Mugshots.”

The Inverness Corners Mugshots will be housed in a 4,500-square-foot space with an outdoor patio and seating for around 170 guests. Patrons can order local craft beer, wine and specialty drinks from the restaurant’s full bar.

There are Mugshots locations in downtown Birmingham and Vestavia, and McAlister said the franchise is excited to expand into Hoover.

“Greater Birmingham has been very good to our company…Hoover was the perfect spot to continue to grow the Mugshots brand,” McAlister wrote. “We’re looking forward to serving the people of Hoover and the positive feedback from customers has already been overwhelming.”

The new Mugshots is scheduled for a soft opening “Eat Good Give Back” fundraiser from Feb. 26-28. Proceeds from the three-day event will benefit the Hope for Autumn foundation. The restaurant’s grand opening will be March 1 at 11 a.m.

The Inverness Corners Mugshots will be located in the Inverness Corners shopping center, near the PGA Tour Superstore and across from the Region’s Bank branch.