There's going to be a new kid on the block.
David Esposito, current owner of Pizza Schmizza, is opening Drafthouse, a pub featuring more than 40 beers on tap, as well as burgers, fries, sandwiches and oysters. He said he also plans to offer Sunday brunch.
Esposito said Drafthouse will take half of Zazu Gastropub and will span into the old Southern Trails property on Magnolia Avenue, since Southern Trails moved next door.
Esposito said he will feature creations such as a doughnut burger and a chorizo burger.
"We're going to have a very unique set of burgers," Esposito said.
Esposito said he wants the food to be affordable and high quality, and said there will be an extensive menu.
"I want it to be a pub atmosphere that delivers good food," Esposito said. "That's what we want to be known as. Great beer selection, but great food."
Esposito said he also wanted a variety of entertainment at the pub. He suggested a comedy night as a possibility.
"We just want to be different than everybody else," Esposito said.
Esposito said his local restaurant will have more freedom to create dishes than a chain.
"You're going to taste the heart and soul that we put into our food," Esposito said.
The atmosphere will be rustic and modern with "a touch" of industrial flair, according to Esposito.
Esposito said safety will also be a priority at Drafthouse.
"We're going to leave overdrinking at the door," Esposito said.
Mark McClurg, manager of Little Italy, said he does not see Drafthouse as direct competition with Little Italy. He said it was good to fill the vacant locations downtown between Magnolia Avenue and Gay Street.
"I think anything that comes to this end of the block is a good thing," McClurg said.
David Adams, graduate student in public policy, said he was excited to hear a new pub is opening downtown. He said he used to hang out at the Alehouse before it became The Hound.
"I will [go to the pub] as long as the beer is good," Adams said.
Esposito said he did not want to release an official opening day because he wanted to give his staff adequate time to train.
Esposito said he will close Pizza Schmizza after the lease on the property is up next year.
"We're looking forward to just new adventure," Esposito said.
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