As a restaurant owner, If you are going to mix it up a little bit on Tybee Island, one would suppose January is absolutely the time to do it. The streets are largely deserted, the sidewalks for the most part are rolled up and unless we get a couple of 70 degree weekends (which does happen) restaurants go in to survival mode.
The veterans on the island know it all too well. You can count on some business, but nothing close to what it will be 6 short weeks from now. So you are forced to figure it out. Another option, which would appear to be a little more fashionable these days, is to shut down altogether. Use the time to get some work done. The Deck is now closed for a 2nd winter season. Now a long time island favorite is closed short-term as well.
“We’ve been here on Tybee 13 years now. We are seeing fewer locals staying here through the winter when they know they can rent their places out, make a few bucks and pay their mortgage for most of the year.” is how Kurtis Schumm, Owner of Tybee Island Social Club, put it. It’s why they made the decision to shut down for the first time during winter.
“It’s been 9 years with Social Club” he said “We thought it was time to change a few things up and this seemed like the right opportunity.”
The doors have been shut at Social Club for a couple of weeks now with no explanation as to what exactly is going on out there. That only fuels the rumor mill. “We’ve heard all kinds of stuff that being passed around as fact lately” Schumm says. “We aren’t going anywhere. Our plan is to re-open with a new look and tweaked menu around March 1st”
Those plans are obviously being worked on behind closed doors. Up the road a bit, Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp is getting a massive makeover. A construction project on full display for the world to see when you drive on to the island. Gerald is building himself a kitchen.
“The food truck is gone. The trailer is gone.” Owner Gerald Schantz says. “Dining will continue to be outdoors here when we re-open. People love that part of what we do.”
Gerald is a Savannah old-timer who has achieved legendary status in the area for his BBQ and fried shrimp. Since 2010, he has had a permanent location on Tybee, even if it was on wheels. The dining area has always been open air. They just prepared all meals out of a 8 foot by 18 foot trailer. Until now, of course.
“Our new kitchen will be 660 square feet.” Gerald says. “We will have the ability to do a lot more here. Not sure what though.”
First thing first, of course. We can discuss menus another time. In the short term, he’s just excited to get going on the project. “I turned my plans in 2 years ago.” he says “We couldn’t find a contractor to build the space because everyone was busy with repairs and re-builds after Hurricane Matthew.”
If you drive by Gerald’s now, you will see a cleared out space. Construction is set to begin soon. “We’ve been told 75 days to build.” he says. “So you do the math.” he says.
A conservative estimate puts this new facility up and running about April 1st. Short term, Gerald is available for catering, but if you love the island vibes and the cold beer and BBQ they serve up, you are going to have to wait.
The good news is, once the season rolls around you will have two good looking, new and improved spots at which to Eat It and Like It on Tybee Island. We will certainly keep you posted on their progress.
See you on TV
Jesse
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