S&S Cafeteria set to reopen with new features after fire closed restaurant 6 months ago

Same history and charm with a modern twist

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The popular S&S Cafeteria is making strides toward reopening its Riverside Drive location following a fire that closed the restaurant six months ago.

Owner Rick Pogue says he has received overwhelming support from the community since the devastation in September.

“Our plan is to reopen Riverside, and we’re sorry that it’s taken so long,” he said. “It’s just so many pieces to the puzzle.” 

Pogue  says he met with architects Wednesday morning to finalize plans, which will be submitted to the city next week for approval. Once received, construction can begin, with hopes to reopen by September 1. Pogue shared the latest design plans for the restaurant, saying he is aiming to maintain the same history and charm that S&S Cafeteria has always offered.

“We also want to put some new nuances in to get a little more modern while keeping the same history and the charm of the Old South of Southern cooking,” he said. Enhancements to the Riverside location will include new flooring, an open ceiling and more seating.

“Riverside Cafeteria didn’t have any booths before, so we’ll be adding some booths for dining,” he said. “We’re going to make our side room into a little meeting room.”

In addition to the renovations, Pogue  says S&S Cafeteria will be hiring approximately 40 to 50 new employees for the reopening, aiming for a total staff of 60 to 70. 

The Bloomfield Village Drive location has remained open since the closure.