Brian Huskey doesn’t typically use five words to describe something when only three will do.
“We’re excited.” He says.
See?
“The B” as it is known to a good many locals, has been a model of consistency over the years, especially it’s brunch. Routinely one of the best in the city. Ultimately, while a good number of locals have supported B. Matthews Eatery, it’s location on Habersham and Bay Streets downtown Savannah scream ‘tourist’ for anyone looking for somewhere to eat. A common problem for those that consider it too far of a drive from the outer reaches of metropolitan Savannah. I’m gathering now that making a drive from anywhere will be less of an issue once word gets out about the makeover B. Matthew’s got during the fall. One look at the face lift and it would be hard not so share in Brian’s excitement.
“We’ve owned the entire building for about 3 years.” Brian tells me. “The original plan was to make this into prep space and additional kitchen and storage areas. But once we peeled all the way back and saw the brick up here and how beautiful it was, we started talking about making better use. So we added a bar.” he says.
B Matthew’s always carried a good bit of ‘historic Savannah’ charm. Brian tells me his deed reads “oldest tavern in the South.” Whether that is factual or not, who knows. He talks about the kind of things that were found inside the walls during previous remodels. Single high heel shoes and even a ‘dance pole” have been found buried in this walls there. It kinda makes you wonder, huh? The brick walls and wood floors have given us a great look at what this space may have looked like once upon a time. Plenty of spaces in the city carry those old school charms, but B. Matthews was a bit unique. The makeover gives this downtown historic space an absolute ‘uptown’ feel. The original dining room downstairs at B. Matthews looks fantastic with new lighting and an overall freshened up look, but it’s what they have done with the upstairs area that may have people pouring in.
The two main rooms on the buildings second floor now serve as a dining room and bar respectively. The brick was exposed and re-pointed on both sides, white stools were placed at the bar. Original wood beams pulled out of the structure’s interior were cleaned up and re-purposed as shelves. The detail is colonial Savannah with a power wash, a glowing white coat of paint and a cocktail. It’s beautiful.
Obviously there are drinks available upstairs. Food is available as well. Nothing fancy, no additional concepts. It’s the same menu you can find downstairs, for food and drink. That said, it’s the flexibility that Brian thinks may pay off the most. “We can use this space for private functions.” he says. “We’ve already had some groups come through who thought it was a perfect spot for a holiday party. And it doesn’t interfere with dinner service downstairs.”
A brand new staircase was built right in the middle of the existing space downstairs for easy access from inside, but the staircase out front on Habersham street now allows exterior access for larger groups, which is a big selling point for people in search of privacy, like celebrities. “When their people call, they want private access, which is understandable.” Yes, it has happened and no, he’s not telling who it was.
Obviously, the Huskey’s didn’t give B. Matthew’s a makeover to get Hollywood A-listers in there. It is Savannah’s A-list they are looking for. When asked if the growing food scene in Savannah was a prime motivator he says “Sure, plus the hotels going up.” He says this as he points East on Bay Street where the very popular Brice Hotel sits two blocks away, not to mention a brand new Homewood Suites a stone’s throw farther down Bay. Add to that the existing Marriott Riverfront property and this new look B. Matthew’s stands to the the first spot those hotel guests may end up looking for a meal if they chose something other than Italian food at Pacci Savannah inside of The Brice.
We didn’t talk money, but it is fair to say a large chunk of change went into this work. Little by little, the Huskey’s have almost completely transformed the space from the bakery they purchased in August of 2006 into now one of the prettier spots in the city. A diagonal door facing the corner was added years ago for curb appeal, now the interior has really been polished up for very nice pop.
The food is as good as it ever was. “Brunch is just crazy.” Brian tells me. No surprise. It is one of the best spots for brunch in Savannah. Dinner presents some staples like a steak, scallops or a catch of the day, but there is enough variety as well with duck confit, pork cheek or a lamb shank. B. Matthew’s isn’t a touristy Savannah fried shrimp house, but then if you’ve been there you knew that already.
As the food scene grows, more and more new spots will pop up along the landscape and the “Old Guard” if you will, continues to make tweaks, nips and tucks to stay ahead of the curve and relevant on the food scene. We’ve seen it already in any number of spots in Savannah.
Now you can add “The B” to that list.
See you on TV
Jesse
