The Savoy Bar and Grill, once a lively social spot in Saginaw that closed due to the pandemic, is set to reopen. The pub, situated on Franklin Street and a stone's throw from the Dow Event Center, closed its doors in 2021 but now finds a new lease on life thanks to attorney Chris Webber and team, who recently acquired the establishment. According to a report by ABC12, the new management is targeting an early September unveiling for the bar portion, with the full establishment's relaunch to follow soon after.
In addition to its proximity to entertainment venues like Temple Theatre and the SVRC Marketplace, Webber is set to imbue the site with nostalgia. He announced on his Facebook page, later reported by WNEM, plans to honor Saginaw's culinary heritage with a menu that pays homage to local favorites such as Holly's Landing, Zorba's, and the Pioneer Club. Acknowledging the significance of preliminary renovations, the partnership is pushing to open its doors in a mere few weeks.
The buzz around Savoy Bar and Grill's revival is palpable among the local authorities, too. Cassi Zimmerman, Saginaw's director of planning and economic development, voiced her excitement about the establishment's return, reinforcing its status as a community mainstay. "I’m so excited for the possibility of this Saginaw staple reopening," Zimmerman stated, echoing the sentiment in the community, as captured in a report by MLive. The Savoy is fondly remembered for more than just food and drink; prior to its closure, it provided free Thanksgiving meals to those in need.
Steven M. Hensley from Saginaw Future underlined the broader economic significance of the Savoy's comeback. “As the economic development organization for Saginaw County, our focus is to help facilitate and support business retention, expansion, attraction, and new business development. The Savoy is obviously a Saginaw staple and has been an institution in the community, transcending generations,” he told MLive. Hensley also highlighted the readiness of local economic bodies to support the new ownership as they endeavor to resurrect what was more than a restaurant, but a symbol of communal endurance and generosity.
