In September, Vandy's restaurants were purchased by Darin Van Tassell, owner of the Club House, Ibis Catering and the Tormenta Soccer teams along with investors in his parent company BVT enterprises. They purchased Vandy's from Brandon O'Mahoney. O'Mahoney has owned Vandy's since 2016.
With the lease expiring for the location in the Statesboro Mall, Van Tassell has decided not to renew the lease and will close the Mall location of Vandy's by the end of January.
Renovations have began on the downtown location on West Vine street The dining room is closed this week for the renovations but the drive through and pit is still operating.
"We are taking down the dark paneling and really freshen up the downtown location. We are sensitive to the history of the location and will incorporate the character of the building while completing much needed updates", said Van Tassell. "The menu will be the same and we may add some of the mall favorites down the road."
Van Tassell received approval from Statesboro City Council today to add beer and wine and add a 30 foot by a 16 foot covered deck to the East side of the building.
"We just love the history of Vandy's and really like what is going on downtown, especially with the great restaurants including Bull and Barrell, Tandor and Tap, Eagle Creek Brewey and Sugar Magnolia", said Van Tassell. "The recent passing of the open container law, is a huge plus in creating a downtown vibe that Statesboro has been missing."
Van Tassell hopes to open a second location in the new Tormenta Stadium complex, once it is constructed.
Vandy's is a Statesboro Tradition
For 91 years, the mouthwatering aroma from the pit at Vandy's has filled the air welcoming newcomers and old timer's alike. There is no question Vandy's Bar-B-Q is as identifiable and steeped in Statesboro tradition as football, hunting and church on Sunday.
A visit to the "pit" is a rite of passage of sorts for newcomers to Statesboro. Vandy's downtown is the one place in Statesboro where not much has changed. You will find some of the freshest and best barbecue you have ever eaten, served to you just a few steps from the open fire pit it was cooked in by some of the friendliest wait staff in town.
It is a place that welcomes everyone with an appetite and appreciation for southern traditions.
All of this is served up with hot off the pit barbecue pork or chicken, homemade Brunswick stew and freshly made potato salad topped off with the most perfect Vandy's barbecue sauce. Van Tassell has no plans to change any of this, understanding this is what makes it so special.
