Opening a Second Location with The Electric

🎙 Episode Summary
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Laura Smith, co-owner of The Electric, a neighborhood sandwich shop that recently expanded from Bluff Park to Avondale. Laura shares the story of how she and her husband, Ben, launched the original Electric just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit—navigating unexpected delays, a DIY build-out, and the emotional weight of opening their first business together. With no formal experience in menu development or restaurant ownership, the couple leaned on their hospitality backgrounds and local connections to bring their vision to life.
As The Electric found its footing in Bluff Park, the idea of a second location started to take shape. Laura talks candidly about how they found the Avondale space, the importance of finding the right landlord, and how their approach shifted to avoid another full build-out. She also discusses the unique vibe of each location, their community-focused design choices, and how they split responsibilities between raising three kids and running multiple businesses.
Throughout the conversation, Laura emphasizes the power of neighborhood support, building a strong team, and staying true to your brand while adapting to new spaces. Whether you’re a restaurant owner or just curious about small business growth, this episode is a thoughtful, down-to-earth look at what it really takes to expand—without losing what makes your business special.

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💻 Connect
Website: www.theelectricbar.com/
The Electric Bluff Park: www.instagram.com/theelectricbp
The Electric Avondale: www.instagram.com/theelectriceast
Paramount: www.instagram.com/paramounthomewood
El Barrio: www.instagram.com/elbarriobham

📲 Follow Carrie Rollwagen
Instagram:   / crollwagen  
Website: https://carrierollwagen.com
LinkedIn:   / crollwagen  
YouTube:    / @crollwagen  

🎧 Listen to The Localist on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01dHWZx...
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
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📌 Chapters
00:00 - Welcome & Guest Intro
01:55 - Why They Opened The Electric
04:00 - Financing & the COVID Pause
06:01 - Laura’s Career in Hospitality
08:12 - Emotional Side of Ownership
10:25 - Dividing Work with Your Spouse
12:05 - Building a Management Team
13:33 - Finding the Avondale Location
17:26 - Avoiding a Full Buildout
19:19 - Vibe & Community in Avondale
26:39 - Creating the Menu from Scratch
30:32 - Chili, Catering & Specials
31:54 - DIY Decor & Sourcing Art
35:00 - Crossover Customers
36:31 - Designing for the Neighborhood
37:05 - Menu Highlights & Trivia Nights
38:14 - Bar Program & Signature Drinks
39:00 - Community Support & Reflections
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