Restaurateur Reviving Two Classic Atlanta Brands in McCrady’s Building

Restaurateur Martin Sprock, who owns half a dozen restaurant brands, has purchased 155 East Bay St. and 2 Unity Alley, the former homes of McCrady’s, McCrady’s Tavern, and Minero. The property sold for $3.3 million and was handled by Charleston Commercial. Sprock says he plans to revive two Atlanta brands into a new Charleston restaurant concept.

Sprock is opening Clarence Foster’s Cookery & Saloon, an iconic Peachtree restaurant that will mark its 50th anniversary next year. The idea, he explained, is to fill a void in downtown Charleston – incredible food at an affordable price point.

“We’re really going to have some fun with it,” said Sprock, who divides his time between South Florida and Charleston. “It will be your go-to place once or twice a week. Our tagline is ‘Don’t you people have homes!’”

Clarence Foster’s will occupy the former McCrady’s restaurant with the same entrance on Unity Alley. Sprock said he plans to keep the bones of the building the same but with updates and fresh artwork.

For the upstairs space – known as the Long Room – Sprock is bringing back another Atlanta icon, the Chameleon Club. A bar and music venue, it hosted the likes of Hootie & the Blowfish and The Black Crowes. For this iteration, Sprock says he is aiming for something a little more laid back with a fun lounge vibe. The space where George Washington once dined will welcome guets for cocktails, bites, and music.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” Sprock said. “We’re trying to hit something completely different.”

Plans are to open both Clarence Foster’s and the Chameleon Club in early 2022.

Sprock founded and sold such well-known franchises as Moe’s Southwest Grill and Planet Smoothie. Locally, he launched Flying Biscuit Cafe, Kid Cashew, and RuRu’s Tacos & Tequila.

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