Local couple opens Sticks N’ Stones in Hoover

Trice Green and his wife, Lynnie Harrison-Green, reached the one-year mark for their cocktail bar, Sticks N’ Stones, located across from the Hoover Metropolitan Complex this summer. The couple, both longtime residents of Hoover, opened the establishment after five years of planning. Green graduated from Hoover High School in 2007 and played college football at Virginia Union University. Harrison-Green works as a physician assistant. Neither had prior experience working behind a bar.

Green described the concept as a direct response to a gap in the local dining scene. He and his wife wanted a venue where patrons could celebrate without deciding between a formal dinner and a night out. The bar features a short kitchen menu and a dedicated drink program. The space is designed to encourage social interaction, with a floor where guests often dance.

The couple collaborated with Jesus Mendez on the cocktail list. Mendez is a Birmingham restaurateur who owns Salud Taqueria, Adiós, Unos Tacos, and The Louis Bar. Green noted that he and his wife relied on mentors to guide the development of the menu. He emphasized that they learned as they built the business rather than relying on prior industry expertise.

The food menu remains intentionally concise. The main item is a 14-ounce ribeye. A red wine-braised short rib is available seasonally. The kitchen serves roasted wings in three flavors instead of fried versions. Green stated that this approach reflects a focus on quality over quantity.

The cocktail list features house-made drinks named after local landmarks. Options include the Grayson pecan old fashioned, the Knox Square margarita, the Leech’s martini, and the Ginnie Hendrix gin drink. Green said the team works through unknowns as they go, relying on education and mentorship.

Staffing has presented the most difficult challenge for the business since the pandemic. Green prioritized hiring individuals who value hospitality culture over those with extensive paper resumes. He stated that the business employs career professionals who intend to remain in the industry.

Sticks N’ Stones is located at 5852 Elsie Road in Hoover. It operates Tuesday through Sunday with varying daily hours. The bar does not take reservations. More information is available at sticksnstoneshvr.com.