Tuscaloosa’s Iconic Avenue Pub To Move Into Much Larger Space Downtown

One of the most celebrated restaurants in Tuscaloosa is moving into a much larger space a few doors down from its longtime home.

Almost a decade after it first opened in 2013, the Avenue Pub will close sometime next month and reopen at 2230 University Boulevard, where the Grocery Brewpub is permanently closing up shop.

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As the Thread reported last week, the Grocery Brewpub's owner and operator Rayford Cook is stepping away from the restaurant to focus on his family, opening the door for the Avenue Pub's long-rumored expansion.

Restaurateur Craig Williams, who founded the Avenue Pub almost 10 years ago, announced the move to his staff in a memo he later shared with the Thread.

"When we signed a lease for this building nine years ago, we never would have anticipated the outpouring of support from the Tuscaloosa community," Williams wrote. "Over the past nine years, we have also been fortunate to have many amazing people work within these four walls and they have all been a part of creating something very special. We are beyond grateful for the opportunities that this space and our landlord, Mr. Charles Spurlin, have afforded us."

"We are excited to announce the next chapter for Avenue Pub!," Williams continued. "The owner of the Grocery Brewpub has made the decision to retire so he can spend more time with his family, which has opened the door for us to move to the end of the block. This opportunity will give us better presence in the downtown community, more overall square footage, and the chance to continue to grow."

Williams said Avenue Pub's current lease in their longtime home at 405 23rd Avenue will expire on September 30th, and that he plans to end operations there sometime in July and open in the new space.

The American-style restaurant has been beloved in Tuscaloosa since it opened in Temerson Square in 2013, with a small but almost-flawless menu featuring Druid City favorites like Thai Nachos, Jalapeno Cheese Dip and, of course, their signature Bacon Burger.

The restaurant also expanded its footprint last year by opening its second-ever location, this one in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for more updates on the Avenue Pub's big move and other exclusive coverage of restaurant and retail news in the area.