Plans to revive two legendary Atlanta hangouts in the former McCrady’s building at 155 E Bay St and 2 Unity Alley appear to be moving forward after several years.
Documents were submitted to the Charleston Zoning Board this week requesting a parking variance for the restaurant, in keeping with the historic use of the property. The request includes plans showing the use of the approximately 5,000-square-foot property for a venture called Clarence Foster’s Seven.
Charleston City Paper first reported restauranteur Martin Sprock’s vision for the same property back in October 2021. Those plans included reviving Clarence Foster’s Cookery & Saloon, a Buckhead bar/restaurant popular in the 80s, in the ground floor space that formerly held McCrady’s and the Long Room; and Chameleon Club, inspired by a former Buckhead music venue, in the upstairs lounge area once occupied by Minero.
Sprock is a serial restauranteur who got his start as co-founder of fast-casual Mexican chain Moe’s and its later parent company Raving Brands, which now boasts a portfolio including brands like Shane’s Rib Shack, Planet Smoothie and Flying Biscuit.
The zoning request will be reviewed at a September 15 meeting of the board. An opening date for the two venues has not yet been announced.
