Photograph by Kelia Hernandez
At the end of 2020, chef Joey Ward made the tough decision to put his small plates spot Southern Belle and adjacent tasting menu restaurant Georgia Boy on hiatus while the Covid-19 pandemic surges and chilly winter temps continue. Now, just a week into the new year, Ward has partnered with PERC Coffee Roasters partner Alan Fischer to host the Savannah- and East Lake-based shop in his Poncey-Highland space.
Located in the Plaza on Ponce, the PERC pop-up will serve a stripped-down menu of food and beverages every Wednesday through Sunday this month.
“We’ve been teetering on the edge of opening a spot in the area and always thought Plaza on Ponce was really neat, but weren’t sure how it would work out for us,” Fischer says. “I thought it might be a good way for us to test it and help Joey offset some of the costs of rent.”
Photograph by Kelia Hernandez
The PERC team is keeping the Southern Belle space as is, though they relocated some of the furniture to create a more direct path to the (coffee) bar. Business is limited to carry-out, but the patio is open.
Offerings include Brazil Legender espresso (milk, chocolatey, nutty) and Honduras brewed coffee (notes of strawberry and almond). Hot chocolate and mocha drinks are made with Athens-based Condor cacao. PERC signatures the Good Times Latte (lavender vanilla syrup, habanero sugar, espresso, and steamed milk) and the Bobby Jones (Coca-Cola, espresso, and lemon peel served over ice) will also be available. Though the pop-up will not offer PERC’s nitro cold brew, iced drinks will be sold upon request.
Photograph by Kelia Hernandez
There are three pastries for pairing: a cinnamon roll, apple pop tart, and savory chickpea turnover. Expect granola, biscuits in gravy, pimento cheese sandwiches, and smoked beet sandwiches.
“We’re super excited to be there and incredibly grateful that we’re introduce people who haven’t been to Southern Belle before to the beautiful space,” Fischer says, adding that he’s hoping to test some other areas around the city with pop-ups as well.
“I love supporting and highlighting other local small businesses. I am excited to still have my second home (Southern Belle) hosting guests in some capacity,” Ward says.
