Savannah’s River Street is a tapestry woven with stories of cobblestones, river breezes, and the echoes of laughter from generations past. For four decades, one restaurant has been central to this vibrant scene, a landmark where the aroma of pizza mingles with the salty air: Spanky’s River Street Savannah. Celebrating 40 years, Spanky’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a Savannah institution, a testament to friendship, hard work, and the enduring appeal of good food and good times.
From Thomaston Roots to River Street Dreams: The Spanky’s Story
The story of Spanky’s River Street Savannah begins not on the historic waterfront, but in Thomaston, Georgia, with three lifelong friends: Ansley Williams, Alben Yarbrough, and Dusty Yarbrough. Their bond, forged in schoolyards and on football fields, would become the bedrock of a Savannah success story. In 1976, these young men, barely out of their twenties, took a leap of faith, transforming a struggling tavern into what would become Spanky’s Pizza Galley and Saloon.
Ansley Williams, initially aiming for the skies as a pilot, found himself grounded by circumstance and drawn to the bustling energy of the restaurant world. Working at the popular Bucket Shop in Underground Atlanta, he discovered a passion for the industry, a passion soon shared by his friend Alben. “We were literally getting paid to do something that we would have paid to have done,” Williams recalls, highlighting the sheer enjoyment they derived from their early restaurant experiences. This enjoyment, coupled with a desire to create something of their own, fueled their ambitions.
Their apprenticeship took them from Atlanta to Cape Cod and Lake Tahoe, experiences Williams jokingly refers to as their “master’s in the restaurant business.” When opportunity knocked in Savannah, in the form of the struggling O’Leary’s Tavern on River Street, they answered. Initially tasked with turning O’Leary’s around, Williams and Alben gained invaluable experience in the Savannah market. Dusty, initially on a detour to Alaska, soon joined his brother and friend, adding his engineering expertise and further solidifying their entrepreneurial trio.
Building Spanky’s: Barn Wood and Riverfront Vision
The vision for Spanky’s River Street Savannah was born from their experiences and a keen understanding of the Savannah market. They saw a gap for casual, fun dining, drawing inspiration from the popular half-pound hamburgers they had mastered at the Bucket Shop. Recognizing the lack of pizza options downtown, they incorporated pizza into their concept. The name “Spanky’s,” a playful nod to “The Little Rascals,” set a lighthearted tone, while “Pizza Galley and Saloon” grounded it in its waterfront location.
Dusty’s engineering background proved crucial in designing the restaurant’s unique interior. Seeking a rustic, authentic feel, they sourced reclaimed wood from an old barn in Bluffton, South Carolina. Williams proudly points to the aged wood panels near the bar, a tangible piece of history within Spanky’s walls. Alben highlights the back wall, where they painstakingly exposed the original rock, further emphasizing the restaurant’s connection to old Savannah.
The construction was a labor of love, a family affair in the truest sense. Dusty even recalls his sons sleeping in the corners of the restaurant as they worked tirelessly to open the doors. In December 1976, Spanky’s River Street Savannah officially opened, welcoming Savannah to a new era of dining and entertainment on the waterfront.
Spanky’s Impact: Setting the River Street Standard
From day one, Spanky’s River Street Savannah was a sensation. The founders describe opening day as a scene of unexpected glamour, with patrons arriving in tuxedos and limousines. The restaurant was immediately packed, a testament to the pent-up demand for a vibrant, welcoming spot on River Street. “When we opened the doors, they were lined up at lunch, happy hour and night,” Williams remembers. The energy was palpable, the atmosphere infectious.
Spanky’s quickly became a River Street landmark, setting a new standard for the area. Its popularity was so immediate and overwhelming they had to manage the crowds to comply with fire marshal regulations. Alben notes, “It set a precedent on River Street that people had never seen.” Spanky’s was more than just a place to eat; it was a destination, a place where people came to unwind, socialize, and be part of the River Street energy.
The Birth of a Savannah Icon: Original Chicken Fingers
Among the many reasons for Spanky’s enduring success, one menu item stands out: The Original Chicken Fingers. Created by Alben Yarbrough, these weren’t just any chicken fingers. Inspired by Alben’s love for chicken (“chicken hawk” was his Cape Cod nickname), and born from a resourceful use of chicken breast trimmings, Spanky’s chicken fingers became a signature dish, a must-try Savannah culinary experience.
Dusty recounts the initial curiosity surrounding the dish: “Then I remember seeing the special on the menu and thinking, chicken fingers? What’s a chicken finger? And people were coming in asking about it.” Alben’s special batter and deep-frying technique transformed these humble pieces of chicken into crispy, flavorful delights that quickly became a customer favorite. The demand was so high they quickly outgrew their initial fryer. Spanky’s chicken fingers are now synonymous with the restaurant and a beloved part of Savannah’s food culture.
More Than Just a Restaurant: Family, Fun, and Savannah Spirit
Spanky’s River Street Savannah is more than just bricks and mortar, recipes and revenue. It’s a story of people, of friendships enduring and evolving over four decades. The original team, joined by Dennis Clements and David Silverman from O’Leary’s, created a family atmosphere that extended to their staff and their customers. Stories of youthful antics and good times abound, memories filled with laughter and the unique spirit of the early days of River Street.
While acknowledging the challenges of the bar business in any era, the founders fondly recall a time when spontaneity and fun reigned supreme. “It was a great time to be in the bar business,” Alben reflects, “People were scared they were going to miss something if they left.” They navigated the seasonal nature of Savannah tourism, working hard to make it through the slower months to reach the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that were crucial for River Street businesses.
Ansley Williams took on a public relations role, forging connections with the community, including a friendship with then-Mayor Rousakis. Recognizing the potential of River Street, Williams became involved with the Waterfront Association, eventually becoming president and spearheading initiatives like Oktoberfest, July 4th fireworks, and the Christmas parade, further solidifying River Street as a Savannah destination.
The Spanky’s family expanded over the years, with locations opening throughout the region. Williams’ Live Oak Restaurant Group grew to include other Savannah favorites. Crucially, Spanky’s remained a family affair, with cousins, friends, and the next generation, like Dusty’s son John, joining the business, ensuring its continued success for years to come. John Yarbrough fondly remembers growing up in the Spanky’s environment: “Working downtown was great money and the things you would see…” The family atmosphere, the dedication to quality, and the commitment to fun have been the ingredients in Spanky’s recipe for longevity.
A Toast to 40 Years and Beyond
As Spanky’s River Street Savannah celebrates 40 years, the founders reflect on the people who made it all possible: their dedicated staff and the welcoming city of Savannah. “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and we were blessed,” Alben states. Dusty emphasizes the importance of consistency in food and service but stresses that “one thing you can’t duplicate is the people.”
Williams echoes this sentiment: “You can’t do any of this other stuff–the food, the service, the atmosphere– you can’t do it without wonderful, good people, and we have been blessed with them.” Their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Find what it is that you love, and then do everything you can to do it for a living.” For the founders of Spanky’s River Street Savannah, their love for the restaurant business, for Savannah, and for each other, has been the driving force behind four decades of success. And as they raise a glass to the past, they look forward to many more years of serving up savory food and Savannah memories at Spanky’s River Street Savannah.
