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Brock to open Husk in Savannah

It has been one of the worst kept and yet best kept secrets in Savannah for quite some time, but now comes official word that Savannah has attracted its second celebrity chef. Iconic Southern chef Sean Brock has announced that he is expanding his “Husk” brand with a new location in Savannah. The Savannah location will be his 4th Husk restaurant, following the original in Charleston, one in Nashville and a third that is scheduled to open in Greenville, South Carolina in the Fall of 2016.

Food and Wine Magazine was the first to report the story with Brock telling the publication “When we first opened Husk, we wanted it to be a snapshot not just of the South, but specifically Charleston” He added that he wanted his restaurant to be what life was like to eat in Charleston on that particular day. That philosophy undoubtedly has led to a desire to provide similar ‘snapshots’ in other Southern cities. Ultimately, this is tremendous news for Savannah and its food scene.

The rumors have swirled around town for quite some time.. There were rumors of Brock sightings in town. Whispers of his people looking at property in Savannah. Nothing of substance came of it. I had been asked about it so many times last year that I finally took it upon myself to ask Brock last summer at the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival. Predictably, he told me he had no plans for a restaurant in Savannah. Beyond that, he really didn’t want to say anything more about it. I walked away thinking it wouldn’t surprise me if it all came to be. Now, here we are.

The magic question in Savannah now becomes where? 12 West Oglethorpe Avenue, in the heart of Savannah’s historic district.

Brock and his business partner David Howard expressed significant interest in a newly renovated space at 12 West Oglethorpe for well over a year. The space is very similar to the other free standing historic structures that house Husk restaurants in Charleston and Nashville. Both buildings were impeccably restored into true Southern masterpieces. The location has multiple floors and an outdoor covered patio along the side. Husk is well-known not only for its food, but exceptional bar programs.

Brock becomes Savannah’s 2nd “celebrity chef” to bring a restaurant to Savannah. In June of 2014, James Beard Award winning chef Hugh Acheson opened The Florence on Victory Drive. It, along with The Grey, have brought a tremendous amount of national exposure to Savannah’s growing restaurant scene. “Sean is an immensely talented chef.” Acheson says. “We welcome anything to this city. Everyone talks about a saturation point. I don’t. The more restaurants that come to town, the more we will see good-old fashioned capitalism. The best stay and the others will go away.” Acheson added.

Unlike Acheson, who became one of the most popular participants on Bravo’s Top Chef franchise, Brock hasn’t done a whole lot of television. Brock’s following comes largely from his restaurants and a series of successful cookbooks that showcase various aspects of Southern cuisine. In the last few years, Sean Brock has become almost synonymous with progressive Southern cuisine.

Brock’s restaurant empire, Neighborhood Dining Group continues to grow. In addition to the soon-to-be four Husk locations, Brock also is part of  Minero, an upscale-casual Mexican restaurant with locations in Charleston and Atlanta’s Ponce City Market. They also own McCrady’s in Charleston, widely regarded as one of that area’s best spots to dine.

“I’m eagerly exploring the traditions, history, and flavors of Greenville and Savannah and look forward to working with local farmers and purveyors to fully immerse myself in these regions. To continue celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of the South with Husk Greenville and Savannah is a great pleasure and honor.” said Brock.

There is a significant amount of work yet to be done on the space. That would fall in line with the announced “early 2017” timetable that Brock shared with Food and Wine Magazine.

To learn more about Sean Brock and his career, click here.

See you on TV,

Jesse

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