Alabama Gas Light and Grill

by

For Mike and Linda Barnett, outdoor living is more than a hobby — it’s a lifestyle.

The Barnetts have owned Alabama Gas Light and Grill, a specialty outdoor living store, for a decade. Five years ago, they settled into their new storefront along Linden Avenue. The store specializes in grills, smokers, gas logs, gas lanterns, hearths and even patio furniture to improve the outdoor living experience.

Alabama Gas Light and Grill was established in 1963 but was later purchased by Alagasco. Mike, a former Alagasco employee, found himself doing the merchandising for the company. When Alagasco was ready to sell the store, Mike bought it. With the expertise of working in the business of natural gas for more than 25 years and the added familiarity with the store, the Barnetts were ready to take on the business. 

Since its opening, Alabama Gas Light and Grill has carried the oldest gas grill line made in America, Modern Home Product or MHP, and the Barnetts still maintain that tradition. 

“We pride ourselves on carrying American products,” Linda said. “They will really last 20 to 30 years.”

MHP is still manufactured in Antioch, Ill., by the same family that started the business in 1963. Carrying this product is important to the Barnetts, not only because they share the same founding year but also because Alabama Gas Light and Grill is a family owned and operated business as well. 

When looking for their new storefront, the Barnetts chose Homewood because of its central location to all parts of the city and its proximity to families. Through cookouts and events, the Barnetts have been able to connect with the families and people in the community. 

“It has been a wonderful move for us to Homewood,” Linda said. “It has been the best thing we have ever done.”

Despite the ideal location of their store, the Barnetts’ work often takes them out of their building. Whether it is outfitting residences with their new gas logs or providing new fixtures for businesses and restaurants, they find themselves out in the community serving their customers, and for Linda, that is what makes their store really different. 

With the small staff of Mike, Linda, two full-time employees and three part-time employees, the Barnetts value knowledge of their products and the ability to answer the questions that customers may have. In addition to in-person purchase counseling, their website features a series of videos to help educate the customer about aspects of grill ownership with themes such as “How to Shop for a Grill” and “How to Build your Grill.” The store also hosts grilling classes for beginners and classes that teach how to get the most use out of a smoker. 

“We are experts in what we do,” Linda said. “We’ve been around it for a long time. We’re going to be here to support it for a long time. We have been in business for 40 years and will continue to stand behind our products.”

Grilling Tips from Linda Barnett

  • Grills are not just for meat. You can cook vegetables, sides and even desserts on the grill.
  • Anything you do on your cooktop or in the oven, you can do on a grill. Barnett bakes cakes, cookies, s’mores and pizzas on her grill with the assistance of the temperature gauge. 
  • Don’t be afraid to try anything. New techniques, new foods and new spices will always lead to new discoveries.
  • Grill with bacon. Try making bacon on the grill to add to dishes, or wrap it around a veggie such as asparagus.
  • Cook outdoors to keep your kitchen cool. In warmer months, grilling outside keeps the extra heat out of your house.