Popular Bluff Park sandwich shop coming to East Avondale, Spring 2025

(The Electric)

Exciting news for Avondale! The Electric—a beloved sandwich shop & bar in Bluff Park—has announced plans to open a new location in the former Tropicaleo spot in East Avondale this Spring.

The Electric sandwich shop & bar coming to East Avondale

The Electric’s storefront in Bluff Park shortly before opening. (The Electric)

In 2021, husband & wife duo Ben and Laura Smith opened the first Electric in the Bluff Park Village shopping center.

“When we moved out to Hoover, we wanted to find a kid-friendly spot where we could get something to eat or have a drink if we wanted. There wasn’t anything like that nearby, so we saw an opportunity to contribute to the community by opening The Electric.”

A cozy neighborhood hangout, The Electric serves up a variety of delicious sandwiches, sides and beverages, including popular items like:

• The Hedberg — Turkey, bacon, iceberg, provolone, tomato, “205” mustard and pickles between two slices of Hinkel’s sourdough bread.
• The Spark Burger — Two smash Angus patties, American cheese, Wattson sauce, pickles and shredded lettuce on a brioche roll bun.
• The Camilla — Chicken, cheddar, white bbq, tomato, balsamic greens on Hinkel’s sourdough.

After three successful years in Bluff Park, Ben and Laura have decided to open a second Electric location closer to Birmingham—The Electric East.

“We always knew that we’d want to operate more than one location, so it was just a matter of timing.

The Tropicaleo spot had been empty for several years; a friend asked us to check it out, and the space has good bones. It was serendipitous!”

The Electric will be moving into the former Tropicaleo space in East Avondale. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

According to Laura, the “good bones” of the Tropicaleo space mean the build-out process will mostly be cosmetic. The team aims to have The Electric East open by late Spring 2025.

“Our goal is to cultivate a welcoming environment accessible to everyone. Want to watch the game and grab a drink? You can do that here. Want to stop in for a cocktail on date night? We can accommodate that too.

We want to cultivate a comforting, inviting space with delicious food and drink that everyone can enjoy!”

• The Electric: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address (Bluff Park): 2146 Tyler Rd #212, Hoover, AL 35226
• Address (East Avondale): 4426 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222

The Electric is the latest new business in Avondale

The announcement is a welcome change for the Avondale Mills shopping center, which has seen several tenants move or close recently:

• Mercantile, deli & bodega Ore Mercantile closed in February 2024.
• Sheppard’s Pet Supply closed in March 2024 after eight years in Birmingham.
  • Magic City Mercantile moved into the old Sheppard’s spot in mid-2024.
• Sanctum Comics & Tattoos moved to a new location in downtown Birmingham in June 2024.
• Seasick Records and Classic Cuts Barbershop recently announced they’d be moving to the new Lakeview Marina development.

Nearby, several new (and familiar!) businesses have opened their doors in Avondale in recent months:

• Black Market Bar + Grill moved from Five Points South to Avondale in August 2024.
• A new pizza joint, Miracle Pizza Co., opened in June 2024.
• Lag’s Eatery opened its doors in the former LoLo’s BBQ building in November 2024.

Have you eaten at The Electric in Bluff Park? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know your favorite thing on the menu!