Time definitely moved strangely last year. When I saw that The Public Kitchen and Bar was finally about to reopen, it felt as if it had been forever and also just yesterday that a fire had forced the restaurant to close for remodeling.
Back in June of 2020, a fire started in the kitchen of The Public at the corner of Bull and Liberty Streets in downtown Savannah. While most of the damage was contained, there was also some damage to nearby Artillery and Franklin’s, a coffee shop that was still in the process of opening.
Artillery was finally able to reopen in December. Now The Public is getting ready to reopen this month with Franklin’s scheduled to open around the same time.
I recently caught up with Robby Perkins with Daniel Reed Hospitality, the group that owns The Public, Artillery, and Franklin’s.
“Building and opening a restaurant, and recovering from a fire are two enormous undertakings. Doing both at the same time is something we don’t wish on anyone!
“It was also a challenge deciding what to keep and where to reinvent. We were faced with replacing almost everything in [The Public] so it was put it back the way it was or opt for change! There will be many familiar things about Public and also some new things to appreciate.”
Some of the changes you can look forward to at The Public are new finishes, new seating, and a new look for the downstairs dining room. Robby tells me that The Public and Franklin’s will actually be connected physically and by their menus.
“The addition of Franklin’s expanded our kitchen at Public. After the fire, we made further changes to the kitchen which we hope will allow us some more flexibility and the ability to offer a few more things on the menu. Rest assured that many of your old favorites will still be the heart of the menu.”
“[Franklin’s] in-house bakery and open kitchen to Public allow us to make made-to-order menu items that would otherwise be prepared ahead. We will still offer a curated selection of fresh to-go food and beverages as well as merchandise.
“Our EGGSPRESSOS are something we are very excited about: Fresh steamed eggs right off the coffee bar steamer topped with premium toppings.”
No exact date has been given for the reopening of The Public. Franklin’s officially opened for business on January 14th.
The Public Kitchen and Bar 1 West Liberty Street Follow on Facebook and Instagram
Franklin's 5 West Liberty Street Follow on Facebook and Instagram
Artillery 307 Bull Street Follow on Facebook and Instagram
1 thought on “The Public returns and brings a new friend”
Hi – I need recommendations for Tuesday evening outdoor seating with heating – a bit more upscale – for a birthday dinner. I’m thinking on the lines of The Vault as opposed to Bull St. Taco. Both excellent but different!
Thought of The Current but they don’t have heaters. Can you imagine? Any input would be welcome.
Best to you,
Karen.