Huntsville, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The future of 708 Bar & Grille in Huntsville is uncertain following a preliminary injunction that shut it down due to safety concerns stemming from violence and several incidents linked to the establishment. A scheduled hearing will address the legal issues raised by the City, which has accused the bar of being a public nuisance. While the owners dispute the accusations and highlight their efforts to ensure safety, community support has emerged for the family-run business. The case reflects broader issues of safety, discrimination, and governance in the city.
Huntsville is set to determine the future of 708 Bar & Grille amid ongoing legal issues stemming from violence and safety concerns surrounding the establishment. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. regarding the preliminary injunction issued by Madison County Circuit Judge Ruth Ann Hall, which led to the business’s shutdown on September 17. The injunction, requested by the City of Huntsville, cites multiple incidents of violence, including shootings and alleged drug-related activities.
The City of Huntsville accused the bar, located at 708 Poplar Ave. NW, of being a public nuisance. Authorities noted a disturbing pattern of gun-related violence and numerous arrests linked to the establishment. A lawsuit was filed against the owners on May 5, which emphasized the serious nature of these claims. Among the high-profile incidents were reports of a woman being run over multiple times during a domestic violence incident outside the bar in May and five individuals being shot on the bar’s patio on May 5, 2024.
Further compounding the situation, the City Liquor License Review Committee suspended the establishment’s liquor license for 90 days in October 2022 due to repeated violations disrupting neighborhood peace. The lawsuit points out that the property violated zoning ordinances by allowing patio seating, which was not permitted.
In addition to violent incidents, a shooting that involved multiple vehicles occurred on August 2, 2024, followed by another shooting with multiple victims on March 10 of this year. In response, the owners, consisting of Malcolm Gopher, Genell Hughes, Catherine Gopher, and Illiyha Gopher, maintained that they have adequately tried to ensure safety by hiring off-duty police for security services and requesting monitoring, which were allegedly denied.
The owners of 708 Bar & Grille, who faced the injunction without representation at the initial hearing due to an oversight, contest the legitimacy of the claims against them. They assert that their management of the premises has been mischaracterized and emphasized their unawareness of any noise ordinance violations. Financial challenges have arisen as a direct result of the business’s shutdown, which has put significant pressure on the family-run establishment.
Support for 708 Bar & Grille has emerged from local residents, some of whom have rallied behind Gopher during city council meetings. Gopher has expressed concerns that his business, being Black-owned, has faced discrimination and harassment from law enforcement and city officials, fueled by his past history.
Recently, the City Council denied a motion allowing community members to speak directly about the business, raising further concerns among residents who support the bar. This ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges faced by the establishment while underscoring conflicting community opinions about safety, business ownership, and the role of local government.
Background Context
The legal troubles for 708 Bar & Grille began when the City of Huntsville filed a lawsuit in May 2023, attributing the business to a series of violent incidents that culminated in the preliminary injunction ordered in September 2023. Over the last year, the establishment has been scrutinized by law enforcement and city officials for its safety practices and impact on the surrounding community.
As the hearing approaches, the future of 708 Bar & Grille hangs in the balance, raising questions about public safety, community support, and local governance.
FAQ
What is the current status of 708 Bar & Grille in Huntsville?
A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. regarding the future of 708 Bar & Grille in Huntsville. The business was shut down by a preliminary injunction requested by the City due to a series of shootings and violent incidents.
Who are the owners of 708 Bar & Grille?
The owners of 708 Bar & Grille include Malcolm Gopher, Genell Hughes, Catherine Gopher, and Illiyha Gopher.
What incidents have led to the closure of the establishment?
Several incidents of gun-related violence and other illegal activities have been cited, including a woman being run over on May 5, 2023, and five people being shot on the bar’s patio on May 5, 2024.
What has the community’s response been?
Community support for 708 Bar & Grille has been voiced by residents, with some rallying behind Malcolm Gopher during city council meetings.
Key Features Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | 708 Bar & Grille |
| Location | 708 Poplar Ave. NW, Huntsville |
| Current Status | Facing shutdown due to injunction |
| Owners | Malcolm Gopher, Genell Hughes, Catherine Gopher, Illiyha Gopher |
| Key Incidents | Multiple shootings and violent incidents, including May 5, 2023, and May 5, 2024 |
| Community Response | Support from local residents |
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Bar Ordered to be Shut Down
- WAFF: Owner of Huntsville Bar Says Judge’s Closure is Harassment
- WHNT: Huntsville Bar Forced to Close Doors After Court Order
- AL.com: North Huntsville Bar Owner Challenges Shutdown Allegations
- Rocket City Now: Judge to Rule on Reopening of Troubled 708 Bar & Grille
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Google Search: Huntsville bar shutdown
- Google Scholar: Huntsville bar closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville
- Google News: Huntsville bar troubles
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
