Hop Atomica, the Savannah brewpub locals flock to for wood-fired pizzas and house-brewed beers, has officially started work on a new brewery, distillery and restaurant in Richmond Hill's Heartwood community. Ground broke on April 15, 2026, with local partners eyeing an early 2027 opening. Longtime regulars Mark and Tanya Barrett are set to run the new spot and say they will keep the core menu that built the brand while layering in a few personal twists.
Groundbreaking and timeline
According to the Bryan County Chamber, the April 15 ceremony at 110 Heartwood Ave marked the official launch of construction on a combined brewery, distillery and restaurant that is slated to anchor Heartwood's Outfitters Village. The chamber notes that Omega Construction is leading the project and pegs a projected opening for spring 2027.
Site and planning approvals
The Richmond Hill planning commission signed off on initial site plans and building elevations for a Hop Atomica facility at the corner of Heartwood Avenue and Doty Court in October 2025. That approval cleared a major procedural hurdle and set the stage for this spring's ceremonial shovel-turning.
Menu, brews and operations
Hop Atomica bills itself as a hybrid brewery, distillery and wood-fired restaurant that brews its own beers on-site and turns out scratch-made pizzas from a hardwood oven. “Our space is designed to inspire connection,” the company states on Hop Atomica. The lineup leans into dessert-inspired fruited sours, hazy IPAs and a rotating cocktail program, backed up by pizzas and sandwiches that skew hearty and shareable.
Operators and growth beyond Savannah
As reported by What Now, brothers Smith and Pratt Matthews own the original Savannah location, while Mark and Tanya Barrett, regulars-turned-operators, will helm the Richmond Hill outpost. They plan to keep fan favorites like the “Hot Mess” and “Cowboy Candy” pizzas on the menu. The brand also lists another outpost in Louisville, according to Distillery Trail, suggesting this is part of a broader growth play rather than a one-off expansion.
What to watch
Permitting, site work and interior buildout will ultimately dictate when doors open, but planners and the chamber are still pointing to an early 2027 launch. For updates on construction progress, menu details and hiring, keep an eye on Hop Atomica and the Bryan County Chamber.
