Historic McCrady’s Building Now Belongs to Founder of Planet Smoothie

The founder of Moe’s Southwest Grill and Planet Smoothie has purchased the once-hallowed grounds of McCrady’s. Announced yesterday via press release, restaurateur Martin Sprock is “breathing new life” into the building, which has entrances on 155 East Bay Street and 2 Unity Alley. Remember, this is the same legendary location where international superstar chef Sean Brock first made a name for himself as a young chef at McCrady’s.

Sprock will open Clarence Foster’s Cookery & Saloon at 2 Unity Alley. The restaurant is named after a former Peachtree establishment in Atlanta. According to the press release, the concept is “incredible food at an affordable price point” It is unclear how the Charleston establishment will resemble the former Clarence Foster’s, which was a hangout for Atlanta residents in the 1970s and ‘80s. The only internet trace of the restaurant is a few old matchbooks for sale on Ebay.

In the former McCrady’s Long Room, also the last home of Minero, Sprock will resurrect the late Atlanta music club Chameleon Club. According to the press release, “The space where George Washington dined will welcome a slightly older crowd for cocktails, bites and music.” Yes, it said “slightly older.”

To the tune of $3.3 million, Sprock will bring his new vision to the old McCrady’s space in early 2022.

• The Last of the McCrady’s Legend Shuts Down
• Sean Brock Blogged Through McCrady’s Early Days