"Sandor's" Building Moving to Alys Beach

[Alys Beach]

“Sandor’s” Building Moving to Alys Beach

Alys Beach, Florida – (March 6, 2008) – Sandor’s Restaurant is moving to Alys Beach!… Well, kinda. That is, the building that was formerly home to Sandor’s Restaurant on County Road 395 in Seagrove will literally be transported down Scenic 30A, where it will serve as the location for a brand new restaurant called “George’s at Alys Beach.”

“The Sandor’s building is being lifted onto a truck this week, and we expect to move it to Alys Beach within a couple of weeks,” said Eddie Foster, Alys Beach’s Vice President of Commercial Construction. “Because of utility lines, the roof will be temporarily detached during the move, so the timing is all subject to good weather.”

The building was constructed in the 1980s and has been a part of the 30A dining scene for at least 25 years. The building was eventually scheduled for demolition.

“I believe it was originally built as a sandwich shop and a fresh fish market, and of course, it later became Sandor’s, a well-known fine dining establishment,” said George Hartley, owner of nearby Seagrove Village Market Café. “Rather than construct an entirely new restaurant at Alys Beach, we decided to recycle and preserve this special part of 30A’s history.”

The building’s unique trip along Scenic 30A will cover about 7 miles and is expected to take a few hours, before it is placed on its new foundation at Alys Beach. There, it will become “George’s,” a new restaurant located directly on 30A. Hartley said that after a few interior renovations and exterior decking is added, the restaurant will seat approximately 55 diners.

“Part of 30A’s soul is in that building,” laughed Hartley. “We’re thrilled that we can bring its special energy and local authenticity to our new home in Alys Beach.”

For more information, please call 1-866-481-8387.

ABOUT ALYS BEACH
One of the most beautiful new resort towns in the world, Alys Beach is located on Scenic Highway 30A in Florida’s panhandle, along what The New York Times said “may be the best beach in the continental U.S.”

Alys Beach’s extraordinary architectural vision drew inspirations from both Bermuda and the family courtyard homes of Antigua, Guatemala. When complete, the town will be home to over 600 villas, rowhouses, courtyard homes and family compound retreats, as well as numerous restaurants and shops. All homes in Alys Beach are built to Fortified…For Safer Living® building standards, as certified by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, and are also built to the Green Home Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Coalition.

“Alys Beach may be the most truly innovative community under construction in the United States today, and it will eventually be imitated everywhere,” said Andrés Duany, who was ranked one of the Top 5 most influential people in home building by Builder magazine.

For sales or rental information, please call 866-481-8387 or visit www.alysbeach.com

[ameliaj]

Cool!!! Will the menu be the same as Market Cafe? Luv me some grouper sandwich. When is the opening planned?

[rdelong43065]

As of today, they have the building off the foundation and on beams.

[hnooe]

I just pray I don't get stuck behind the building while I am driving down 30A

[Smiling JOe]

Wouldn't it be cool if Sandor's was actually moving to Alys Beach (not just the building)? That man can cook.

[seaside2]

Is this the place just north of Seagrove Market Cafe that has been closed for sometime?

[seagrovegirl]

Yes...that's the one.

[SWGB]

When is this happening? I just want to watch the traffic back up for miles.

[SoWalSally]

http://www.waltonsun.com/articles/re...estin_30a.html

Alys Beach marketing director Mike Ragsdale announced plans to move the old Sandor’s building in Seagrove to Alys Beach, where it will house George’s restaurant.
Ragsdale said it had been a tough secret to keep. So many folks wondered how George’s could open this summer when there was no building under construction at Alys Beach. Rather than rebuild Sandor’s, George and Ann Hartley, owners of George’s, decided to recycle the old restaurant.
Now that the permits are completed and work has begun to move Sandor’s, Ragsdale wanted South Walton residents and visitors to be prepared for the delays that might occur during the seven-mile trip down 30A.
The building will be put on jacks and loaded onto a trailer this week, he said. The roof has to be removed because of power lines along the route, so the actual move will be planned when there are about five days with no anticipated rain.
If all goes as scheduled, the building will be moved by the end of next week, he said.
The old building will be placed on a foundation on the north side of 30A at Castle Harbor Drive. There’s a sentimental attachment to the building that housed a fish place and later a fine dining establishment, and though there will be renovations inside and a deck added for outside dining, the restaurant will retain its authentic look, Ragsdale said.

[Alys Beach]

Please note that the "Sandor's" building will likely be moving East along Scenic 30A starting tomorrow morning (Wed, 3/19) at 6:30 a.m. It will be moved from its present location on CR-283 in Seagrove (just north of Seagrove Village Market Cafe) to its new home in Alys Beach. The move is expected to take a few hours.

[joho]

Yes...that's the one.

SG
Remember the great slaw Dennis and Kenny used to have when it was the Seagrove Fish Market? Yummy!

[SGB]

Please note that the "Sandor's" building will likely be moving East along Scenic 30A starting tomorrow morning (Wed, 3/19) at 6:30 a.m. It will be moved from its present location on CR-283 in Seagrove (just north of Seagrove Village Market Cafe) to its new home in Alys Beach. The move is expected to take a few hours.

Does this mean that if you need to get from the east end to Seaside that you can't? Will one side of the road be open or should we use 98?

[hnooe]

Does this mean that if you need to get from the east end to Seaside that you can't? Will one side of the road be open or should we use 98?

I would avoid 283 and everything East of there, use 98!

[John R]

Please note that the "Sandor's" building will likely be moving East along Scenic 30A starting tomorrow morning (Wed, 3/19) at 6:30 a.m. It will be moved from its present location on CR-283 in Seagrove (just north of Seagrove Village Market Cafe) to its new home in Alys Beach. The move is expected to take a few hours.

why not in the middle of the night?

[seaside2]

why not in the middle of the night?

Makes too much sense.

[seagrovegirl]

SG
Remember the great slaw Dennis and Kenny used to have when it was the Seagrove Fish Market? Yummy!

OMG...I made that slaw today...got the recipe from Capt. Kenny....of course I had to pay him about $50,000. in renovations at the "Ho House" first.....been sworn to secrecy.......SERIOUSLY...I made that slaw TODAY!!!!

[seagrovegirl]

Please note that the "Sandor's" building will likely be moving East along Scenic 30A starting tomorrow morning (Wed, 3/19) at 6:30 a.m. It will be moved from its present location on CR-283 in Seagrove (just north of Seagrove Village Market Cafe) to its new home in Alys Beach. The move is expected to take a few hours.

I think you meant 395, not 283.

[SWGB]

why not in the middle of the night?

Makes too much sense.

Actually I would think moving anything that large would be done best in the day light. They could set up massive spot lights, but that might not be as appealing either.

[Alys Beach]

I think you meant 395, not 283.

yes, thank you!

[seagrovegirl]

Really happy that the Sandor's building didn't get torn down......Dennis Franklin built it and understand it is over built and solid as a rock. Recycling buildings is a grayt idea!!! Glas I'll miss the traffic back up, but it would be interesting to watch. Hope someone video's the trek.

[SWGB]

Really happy that the Sandor's building didn't get torn down......Dennis Franklin built it and understand it is over built and solid as a rock. Recycling buildings is a grayt idea!!! Glas I'll miss the traffic back up, but it would be interesting to watch. Hope someone video's the trek.

If I can get up that early I'm gonna try and get pics.

[rdelong43065]

If I can get up that early I'm gonna try and get pics.

I'm going to try to get some pics as well. It's not everyday that a building drives up the road.

[John R]

Actually I would think moving anything that large would be done best in the day light. They could set up massive spot lights, but that might not be as appealing either.

how so? i don't think light would be the defining issue. every building i've seen moved any distance has happened at night, so as to impact traffic as little as possible. moving this building during the day at the height of spring break seems like the least advantageous time, imo.

[SGB]

In the newspaper it said that they were waiting for a few days with no rain because the roof had to be taken off. It looks like it's going to rain tomorrow, so maybe it won't happen?

[NoHall]

why not in the middle of the night?

What would the poor drunks think if they're weaving down 30A in the middle of the night and get caught behind a house? They're liable to just pull into someone's driveway and sit there for hours idling, thinking they're caught in "traffic." That's just cruel, John R!

[SWGB]

What would the poor drunks think if they're weaving down 30A in the middle of the night and get caught behind a house? They're liable to just pull into someone's driveway and sit there for hours idling, thinking they're caught in "traffic." That's just cruel, John R!

They'd just honk, flick off the driver, and pass on the bike path.

[NoHall]

They'd just honk, flick off the driver, and pass on the bike path.

good one! (I tried to give you rep for it, but the button must be stuck.)

[SWGB]

good one! (I tried to give you rep for it, but the button must be stuck.)

Just think if there's an accident the housing market could literally hit rock bottom on 30A.

Try that one.

[NoHall]

Just think if there's an accident the housing market could literally hit rock bottom on 30A.

Try that one.

(*rimshot*)

[Smiling JOe]

Does this mean that if you need to get from the east end to Seaside that you can't? Will one side of the road be open or should we use 98?

HellOOO! They are moving a house down a two lane road.

I would avoid 283 and everything East of there, use 98!

nevermind, they answered my question.

why not in the middle of the night?

I thought that DOT required all home moves to be during daylight hours.

how so? i don't think light would be the defining issue. every building i've seen moved any distance has happened at night, so as to impact traffic as little as possible. moving this building during the day at the height of spring break seems like the least advantageous time, imo.

I've seen only maybe 15 homes being moved, four in your neighborhood, and all of them have been in daylight hours, and one was stuck in the ditch for more than half a day. I guess it is easier to see if something goes wrong, if it is done in the daylight. I seem to recall interstate moves requiring moves to be only on the weekends, as there are typically lower traffic counts at that time.

Now, let's get to the important part. >>> What time will George's open tomorrow night?

[John R]

i wasn't aware there was a DOT requirement. I 've never seen any moved here, in colorado it's always at night.

[LightWorker]

The house passed by eastern lake a few minutes ago.

[HYDROSTAN]

They'd just honk, flick off the driver, and pass on the bike path.

With headlights on bright.

[Alys Beach]

[hnooe]

Can't wait to see it in place. I am very curious though as to how the architecture of this particular building style will meld with what is currently being constructed at Alys Beach. Maybe that will only be revealed once the whole Alys community is in place?

[NotnKansas]

It was not all that fun this morning when some random guy in a truck made me get off 30-A (I was heading west) and made me (as well as about 15 other drivers) pull off into that gravel parking lot just past the Baptist Church where those old storage units used to be. I really didn't mind, just no one told us what was going on. But it was kind of odd seeing a building cruising down the road :)

There was one tourist in a Caddie that I think attempted to pass on the bike path. It was kind of funny.

[joho]

Ducky's been moving houses in this area along time.
He's a professional at this sort of thing.
I'm sure other than the traffic hold up it will go smooth.

[TooFarTampa]

So cool to see the pics! Thanks Alys!

Can't wait to see it in place. I am very curious though as to how the architecture of this particular building style will meld with what is currently being constructed at Alys Beach. Maybe that will only be revealed once the whole Alys community is in place?

It's a neat looking building; I don't remember seeing it before. I think it will be great. The little quirks are what makes a community special, and I'm glad the town planners are keeping that in mind.

[tistheseason]

Those photos are great! I can't wait to see it in place. When do they anticipate opening? Any chance they could work at light-speed and be ready to go by my April 3rd arrival????

[SWGB]

So cool to see the pics! Thanks Alys!



It's a neat looking building; I don't remember seeing it before. I think it will be great. The little quirks are what makes a community special, and I'm glad the town planners are keeping that in mind.

You have, but didn't recognize it. It used to be over the hole in front of the old Regions building on 395.

[SWGB]

The move was on WJHG Channel 7. Unfortunately they didn't post the video on their website.

[Alys Beach]

Check out the video from Channel 7 News - South Walton Traveling Restaurant

Be sure to click the camera icon directly underneath the title

[dgsevier]

I'm pleased that the building is being recycled, but whatever happened to Sandor himself. My wife and I ate there on one of the last nights he was open and he told us that he was going to Paris to work at the Ritz, but that he planned on returning in the next spring. Did he move to Paris permanently?

[Cheering472]

Meals on wheels.

[olive]

I'm pleased that the building is being recycled, but whatever happened to Sandor himself. My wife and I ate there on one of the last nights he was open and he told us that he was going to Paris to work at the Ritz, but that he planned on returning in the next spring. Did he move to Paris permanently?

Pretty sure you can find him at Cafe Provence.

Isn't that right?

[DuneLaker]

FCAT testing was on. Afraid it might have cause some problems for some kids.

[Smiling JOe]

Pretty sure you can find him at Cafe Provence.

Isn't that right?

That was correct for a while, but I think he and the owner agreed to separate. It's difficult to have two executive chefs. Last we heard from his daughter, he was trying to open a restaurant in the town where she lived. He had problems with the local gov't and the building requirements. Something about the building dept giving him approval to open a restaurant, so he bought the building, only to have the rules changed in a week or two after he bought it, blah, blah, blah. I'm hoping he is making progress with it.

[SWGB]

Check out the video from Channel 7 News - South Walton Traveling Restaurant

Be sure to click the camera icon directly underneath the title

Cool, they added that after I posted. Thanks for the update!

[Miss Kitty]

May 27, 2008

Ann and George Hartley Are Alive & Well On The Redneck Riviera

You may recall a darling store at Preston Center and on Lovers Lane called Ann Hartley a few years back in Dallas. Well, I am in the Redneck Riviera for the weekend, red as a lobster, body surfing (with care, sadly two people have died in the Gulf this weekend), and had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous peep behind that store, Ann and George, at a cocktail party Saturday night. Ann and George Hartley and three children left Dallas for the sunshine state a few years ago. Now he has a darling restaurant called The Seagrove MarketCafe (world famous Po-Boys and Grouper sandwiches) where we lived it up on hush puppies and fried oysters. George is opening a new restaurant down on county road 30A this June. The name: George’s. Ann shops Paris with willing tourists. Both have a new home at Alys Beach and send their love to everyone in Dallas. If you head this way, get over to the SeagroveMarketCafe and, in about 30 days, George’s.

[InletBchDweller]

Thanks Kitty, I was wondering what they were going to do with that place. They are moving quickly as a porch is underway.

May 27, 2008

Ann and George Hartley Are Alive & Well On The Redneck Riviera

You may recall a darling store at Preston Center and on Lovers Lane called Ann Hartley a few years back in Dallas. Well, I am in the Redneck Riviera for the weekend, red as a lobster, body surfing (with care, sadly two people have died in the Gulf this weekend), and had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous peep behind that store, Ann and George, at a cocktail party Saturday night. Ann and George Hartley and three children left Dallas for the sunshine state a few years ago. Now he has a darling restaurant called The Seagrove MarketCafe (world famous Po-Boys and Grouper sandwiches) where we lived it up on hush puppies and fried oysters. George is opening a new restaurant down on county road 30A this June. The name: George’s. Ann shops Paris with willing tourists. Both have a new home at Alys Beach and send their love to everyone in Dallas. If you head this way, get over to the SeagroveMarketCafe and, in about 30 days, George’s.