A new Manhattan Sports Bar and Lounge will replace the former Hourglass Pub & Coffee House Downtown on Bay Street.
Operator Quincy Benton said he hopes to open the New York-themed establishment Thanksgiving weekend, pending permitting, or no later than year-end.
He plans to serve lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and reopen as a lounge about 5 or 6 p.m. Not just New York favorites like sausage dogs, popcorn and pretzels, but Benton said he will plan a small-plate Southern fare, including barbecue grilled and smoked on the back patio.
Benton also wants to create a beer garden out of 150 seats and the patio.
Benton, a consultant and investor, said he picked this location “to capitalize on the speakeasy buzz that is going around the country.”
“The bones are good (from the former use),” Benton said. He estimates a $50,000 renovation.
Hourglass Pub closed, as its owner Shannon Williams said in January she wants to focus on family and health. Now, Benton is bringing back craft cocktails, draft beer, and most essentially Manhattans to the 2,881-square-foot space.
