Jeff Foxworthy in talks for Birmingham, Alabama entertainment venue

The Birmingham News - al.com - Birmingham, AL, USA - A Memphis developer said he is in talks with comedian Jeff Foxworthy about opening a venue in a planned downtown Birmingham entertainment district.

John Elkington of Performa Entertainment Real Estate, known for its Beale Street development in Memphis, said he hopes to reach a deal soon with representatives of the Atlanta-based comedian, host of Fox television's hit game show "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader."

"Talks are going well. He would fit in well in our district," Elkington said Friday after meeting with board members of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

The $41 million district, called The Forge, would be built adjacent to the BJCC. When asked by board member E.C. Brown when he expects to break ground, Elkington said Performa "is close" to getting bank financing and hopes to break ground by mid-June.

He said Performa is investing $9 million in the deal and the district should open by mid-summer 2009.

Elkington said the district, including two hotels that could raise its cost to $80 million, is 82 percent pre-leased. "American Idol" winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks have signed deals to open nightclubs in the district.

The venue by Foxworthy, famous for his best-selling "You Might be a Redneck" comedy albums, would be a restaurant or bar. Elkington said it is unclear if Foxworthy would perform there. Efforts to reach the William Morris Agency, which represents Foxworthy, were unsuccessful Friday.