Photo by Daniel Cheon
Written by Amy Stolenberg
In March of 2014, a new craft and cocktail bar called Ampersand joined the Savannah bar scene, replacing Sparetime at 36 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Owned by SCAD graduates Charlie Crosby and Rob Chandler, Ampersand fuses together art, beer, food and music in order to offer customers a creatively curated sensory experience.
Ampersand is grounded in local values and collaborations, but also has a cultured world view. Crosby and Chandler want to keep the venue modern and current, so the art, beer and even food menu is always rotating and shifting.
Andre Carter, one of the managers of the bar, explained that “we want to make sure we are producing new and creative ideas for the city but not pushing them on people.”
Unlike the bars before it, Ampersand utilizes all three floors in the building, though each has its own distinct function. Carter added that having all three floors in use during the night creates an insane energy in the space.
The first floor, called “Ampersand 1,” is the classic bar scene, with craft and specialty cocktails, as well as locally sourced beer and wine. The second floor, “Ampersand 2,” is more of a party environment, with live music and dancing. The vibe is very “house party,” a space to socialize and work the open floor. At the very top of the building, the third floor, “& then,” is the dining area of Ampersand.
Ampersand is partnering with local gourmet retail company Form for the menu. In addition to offering dinner and lunch, the brunch menu will be available starting on Sunday, April 6, and includes cornbread French toast and bottomless mimosas.
Local brewery Perc coffee is also collaborating with Ampersand, providing everything from barista training to the beans themselves.
Even the art that hangs on the walls is done by local artists, and local musicians provide live entertainment almost every night.
This appreciation for craft is seen also in the interior of Ampersand, which has a very artsy vibe grounded in a rustic-homey southern feel. The recycled wood details and chalkboard signage contribute to a laid back and relaxed atmosphere. All of the decorations are repurposed, recycled materials, from the shelving that holds the rows of liquor bottles to the bar counter itself. Even the light fixture is made of dark blue bottles turned upside down. Carter described the combined effect as a “homey, city-of-the-south warmth.”
Before 10 p.m., all ages are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere that Ampersand has to offer, but after that only 21+ customers are allowed inside.
Carter said that Ampersand plans on becoming a “huge local creative movement,” a collaboration of the finest that Savannah artists have to offer in food, art, music and drink.
