5 openings + 1 closure in Birmingham, including a new sandwich shop in Avondale

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The Electric East
Check out Birmingham’s newest sandwich shop + more new openings. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

It’s a new week in The Magic City, and that means a new roundup of businesses popping up across town.

From a new sandwich shop in Avondale to a locally-owned pharmacy in Crestwood, here are five businesses that should be on your radar. Plus, one local spot we’re saying farewell to.

Open

1. The Electric East | Avondale

Popular Bluff Park sandwich shop The Electric just opened its new location—The Electric East—in the former Tropicaleo space in Avondale.

Founded in 2021 by husband and wife duo Ben and Laura Smith, The Electric is a cozy neighborhood hangout and sandwich shop located in Hoover’s Bluff Park Village shopping center. After a four-month build-out, The Electric East officially opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, June 24.

Of course, the Bham Now team had to visit for lunch—check out what we had.

2. Alabama Pharmacy | Crestwood

Alabama Pharmacy
Brett Eisenman opened Alabama Pharmacy earlier this month. (Brett Eisenman)

Alabama Pharmacy, an independently-owned pharmacy in Crestwood, opened earlier this month. Owned by Brett Eisenman, who spent a decade in the retail pharmacy business, the goal of Alabama Pharmacy is to introduce a more personal touch and welcoming feeling to the pharmacy experience.

3. Horton Enterprise Studios | Downtown Birmingham

Birmingham has a new event venue on 5th Ave N—Horton Enterprise Studios. The family-owned venue plans to host all kinds of events, with features like media room, bride and groom suites, patio, stage and more.

Coming Soon

4. Alo | The Summit

IMG 8850 1 edited scaled 5 openings + 1 closure in Birmingham, including a new sandwich shop in Avondale
Alo is coming soon to The Summit. (Bham Now)

Earlier this year, we reported that four new retailers were coming to The Summit in Birmingham. Soon, high-end yoga retailer Alo will finally be openings its doors.

Originally known for its high-quality yoga apparel, Alo has grown into a lifestyle brand for men and women that emphasizes minimalist design, neutral tones and trendy silhouettes. According to The Summit’s Facebook page, Alo is set to open this July.

5. On A Bun | Downtown Birmingham

On A Bun BHAM
On A Bun BHAM is coming soon to the former Yo’ Mama’s space on 2nd Avenue North. (Bham Now)

Six months after Yo’ Mama’s relocated to its new home at 2024 4th Ave. N, the owners have announced a brand new concept on 2nd Ave N: On A Bun BHAM.

The restaurant plans to serve a variety of sandwiches including chicken, catfish and beef with a gluten-friendly approach. You can also expect the same yummy lemonades and fruit punches that Yo’ Mama’s serves.

Closed

6. Starz Karaoke Lounge | Highway 280

Starz Karaoke Lounge, a longtime karaoke spot on Highway 280 across from Lee Branch, is closing its doors. According to recent social media posts by the business, the closure was a “bittersweet decision.”

The post garnered more than 100 comments, with followers sharing fond memories of nights at Starz and lamenting its sudden closure.

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Grace Howard
Grace Howard
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