George's restaurant coming to Alys Beach

George’s restaurant to open at Alys Beach

By Deborah Wheeler

debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com

The all-white development of Alys Beach, located on County Road 30A’s east end, is on track to open its first restaurant in early summer.

While the name and location will be new, the owners, however, are well known in the community.

George’s restaurant will be owned and operated by George and Ann Hartley, owners of Seagrove Village Market and Cafe.

For the Hartleys, opening a second restaurant is just one part of a big, new adventure on which they have embarked. The family recently became the first full-time residents of Alys Beach, excluding the town architects.

“It’s a grown-up feeling here,” said Ann. “very different from Seagrove. It feels so right.”

“When we talked to Jason Comer (owner of Alys Beach) about opening a restaurant here, he said he wanted us to be the Modicas of Alys Beach,” said Ann proudly. “The Modicas were one of the first homeowners in Seaside and opened the first business there.”

Comer likened choosing the Hartleys to choosing a spouse. “We chose them and they chose us,” he said. “Our families’ homes are located just a few yards from Seagrove Village Market. We got to know them over the years and became good friends. They are fine people, very involved members of the community, and we feel lucky to have them here. And their food has done amazingly well on 30A.”

While other businesses have come and gone along the 30A corridor, Seagrove Village Market has been a staple since 1940. From the café in back, the Hartleys’ seafood baskets, grilled grouper sandwiches and locals’ Mexican night on Thursdays during the shoulder season have proven to be popular. They will bring that same menu with them to George’s. In addition, the Mexican menu will be a staple, plus some organic and green options, along with a kids’ menu. Prices will range from $6.99 - $12.99 for lunch and $10 - $19.99 for dinner. Beer and wine will be offered.

“We might make the menu two-sided with one side naughty and one side nice,” said George wryly.

“It will be a place for girlfriends and a kid-friendly fun place,” said Ann.

While Seagrove Village Market Cafe also sells grocery staples and souvenirs, George’s will offer its own unique souvenirs - frogs.

Frogs have been a part of the Hartley’s history, dating back to their marriage almost a quarter century ago.

“At one of my bridal showers, George’s uncle gave us linen hand towels from Neiman Marcus embroidered with frogs. I was going to return them to the store for credit towards red stemware. George said we weren’t returning them because his uncle gave them to us. I said we were. We still have the towels,” said Ann.

“It was the only argument I have ever won,” said George. “But for the next 20-plus years she has bought me frogs. I have the finest collection of frogs you’ve ever seen. And if you look very closely at the Seagrove Village Market sign, you will see a tiny frog in the corner.”

“We will sell frog stuff at George’s. Every year when people come back, they can take a different frog home with them as a souvenir. The 2008 frog, the 2009 frog, etc.,” said Ann.

George’s will seat 55 - 60 people in addition to covered outdoor seating, a hitching post for canines and a small enclosed park where kids can play while parents eat.

“It will have an islandy feel with fans and umbrellas and frog fountains on Lake George,” said Ann. “We’re excited. It’s an adventure, a renewal and we’re looking forward to it.”

In addition to the “adventures” surrounding Alys Beach, Ann is also involved in another. She launched her “Shopping Paris” excursions last fall and is now expanding it to include “Shopping New York” weekends with wine and culinary excursions guided by Seagrove Chef Adam Caperton.

“I am getting great response to that venture. I am back on the ball and all these new adventures started with Alys Beach,” Ann said excitedly.