Velma’s is coming back to Trussville—here’s an inside look

Velma’s…it was one of the most iconic places in Trussville’s history. A bar/karaoke dive established in 1938, its glowing neon pink sign welcomed guests for 74 years straight until it closed its doors in 2012. Now, it’s been reimagined and will once again open its doors.

Bham Now got an exclusive sneak peek inside the new Velma’s, and we’re ready to fill you in on what to expect, opening dates and more.

Velma’s comeback in Trussville

Behind the reopening of Velma’s are longtime Trussville residents Royce and Tammy Butler. Royce has lived in the area his whole life, while Tammy moved to the city in 1993. Both have watched Trussville expand from a small town with hardly any red lights to the bustling part of the Greater Birmingham area.

“We absolutely love this community and are happy to be able to have a business in the place we call home.”

Tammy Butler, owner, Velma’s

What led them to bring Velma’s back to Trussville?

“Since Velma’s closed in 2012, there have been so many people who have longed for Velma’s to re-open. The sense of belonging and community that people felt at Velma’s has been greatly missed.”

Tammy Butler, owner, Velma’s

So, when Tammy and Royce saw an opportunity to bring Velma’s back to the city, they took a leap of faith and did just that.

What to expect at Velma’s in Trussville

Inside Velma’s in Trussville. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Whether you used to frequent the original Velma’s or you’re new to the concept, it offers something for everyone seeking a 21+ bar/karaoke experience. 

“We are building on the old elements of Velma’s but have tried to enhance those elements to provide a new and improved experience.” 

Tammy Butler, owner, Velma’s

Along with reopening in the same location on Gadsden Highway, the Velma’s original elements were the drinks, karaoke, food and the atmosphere, which Tammy said they tried to replicate as closely as possible.

So, what will be new about the Velma’s experience?

• Refreshed original pine flooring + resurfaced concrete bar
• Equipment including blender stations, coolers, kegerator + frozen drink machine
• 12′ x 40′ outdoor patio with tables, chairs + umbrellas + front deck with bar stools
• 8’ x 15’ karaoke + acoustic stage with updated stage lighting and sound systems
• Entertainment options including TVs for watching sports + games like Golden Tee Golf and a Silver Falls quarter pusher
• Handicapped accessible ramp

“We hope we have created a space where people feel as welcomed and as comfortable as when they walk into their best friend’s home.”

Tammy Butler, owner, Velma’s

When to visit Velma’s in Trussville

Now the big question—when will Velma’s officially open for business?

I wish I could tell you a specific date and time, but the grand opening is still up in the air. The good news is it will be sooner rather than later.

“It is our hope that we can open by the end of the month, but we are in a holding pattern at this point until we receive health department inspections and approval.”

Tammy Butler, Co-owner, Velma’s

When opening day does arrive, here’s what to know:

• Address: 1911 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235
• Hours: Sunday, Tuesday + Wednesday – 3PM-Midnight | Thursday-Saturday – 3PM-2AM | Monday – closed
• Facebook | Instagram

More happening in Trussville

• NEW: 7 Brew coffee shop coming to Trussville
• Here’s what it’s like to live at Trussville’s Stockton Crest
• Wow Bao opens ghost kitchen in Trussville– what you need to know
• Corbeau Wine Bar now open in Trussville

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