The owners of the former Captain D's in Thomson had other fish to fry, and their new restaurant, Grubby's, officially opens Monday.
"We'll open Monday if everything comes together like it's supposed to," said Dennis Hallman, who co-owns the restaurant with Tim Camp. "I think we've got enough of a cushion time in there to get it done by Monday."
As the fish tale goes, the two men decided they wanted to embark on "something different, kind of catchy, and our own little concept," and created the "fast-casual concept" of Grubby's.
The menu features fresh chicken fingers, fried catfish, fried tilapia and fried shrimp. The signature burger, Grubby Burgers, are one-third pound of angus beef served with Cajun fries and a soft drink in a combo. Hot dogs are famous Nathan's hot dogs, and come with slaw, chili or sauerkraut. Prices on the entrees and dinners range from $3.29 to $7.99. The salad selection includes house, oriental, fried shrimp, BLT or taco salad for just over $5. Side items include Cajun or regular fries, onion rings, hushpuppies and fried macaroni and cheese. Fried brownies, fried banana foster and MiniMini melts ice cream rounds out the dessert menu.
The new business brings employment opportunities for local young people, as Mr. Hallman said they have hired 25-30 new people, many of them young people.
"They're actually going through training this week," he said. "We'll see how opening goes. If we need to hire a few others, we will. We are still accepting applications."
Although they are located in the old Captain D's building on the corner of Harrison and Washington Roads, the deep-sea fishing decor has been beached, and a hometown atmosphere has moved in. Mr. Hallman said they took pictures of locations around Thomson to use as artwork along with antique signs on the walls.
Grubby's will be open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, call 706-597-1200.
