Many years ago I was fortunate enough to be allowed in on a pretty juicy secret. The kind of headline that makes you stop, turn and say ‘Oh wow. Can you tell me more?’ Details were sketchy, but the meat on the bone was significant. Especially if you love food and spend any kind of time in and around downtown Savannah.
Savannah Technical College was looking at a downtown campus. It would be featuring not only classroom space, but a restaurant. All of the food prepared by students under the guidance and supervision of Chef Jean Vendeville, a world-class talent that has invested so much of his career helping build a brighter culinary future in this region.
Over the years, there were discussions about location. There was discussion about timetables. None of it panning out. That is, until this year, with the announcement coming last week that the downtown property has been purchased. All that’s left in making this a reality is the near $3 million price tag hanging on the build out.
Behind the scenes? More work and diligence than you could possibly ever imagine. Front and center? Renderings and a vision for a 3 floor building on Bay Street downtown. Over 14,000 square feet of culinary growth and development.
It’s important to understand what this facility will be. Yes, first and foremost, it will be an extension of Savannah Tech’s Culinary Programs. However, once the doors open, they will be able to offer their students something they haven’t really been able to offer them before. Practical experience and how it relates to the daily operation of your own restaurant. Sure, you can offer an enrollee an apprenticeship of some kind so they can see what it is like out in the real world, but this will be very different. Not only will students be asked to participate in developing menus for the restaurant, but instructors will be expecting ‘upperclassmen’ to put their training into practice. Entry level students at Savannah Tech will not be part of this. They will continue to grow into their roles at Savannah Tech’s campus on White Bluff Road.
When you are deemed ready, you will step on to Savannah Tech’s biggest culinary stage. Essentially that is what it will be.
The plan calls for glass walls that will allow guests to watch students at work. Preparing dishes and receiving instruction. That’s one part of the space. The 3rd floor will be classroom and office space. 2nd Floor instruction and restaurant. First floor will feature a bakery where guests will be able to stop in for breakfast or lunch and enjoy fresh baked goodness prepared by the city’s next generation of culinary talent right upstairs.
The advantages to the city are rather obvious. Jacksonville, Asheville and Charleston all have culinary schools in their downtown area. Putting their creations right out in front for anyone to enjoy. Taking a walk to enjoy local these local creations or bringing a group to take part in team-building master classes will all be options on the table once this yet-to-be-named facility opens its doors.
Speaking of that name, it hasn’t been decided yet. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t been discussed. Back in April, I was invited by Savannah Tech to be part of a group that spent a full day and a half discussing what this building will eventually mean to the community. Concepts, structure, branding, marketing and names were all discussed at length. The discussions were pretty intense. The exchange of ideas equally so. Ultimately, the primary objective was to understand not only how to present this brand new building to Savannah, but also maximize the user experience. Students and restaurant guests alike.
It’s a win win for every single party involved. I can’t wait to see it come to life.
Times, they are a changing.
See you on TV
Jesse
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