We have lived just off Troupe Square for several years. We also own a guest house where our tenants rely on our guidance to make the most of their visits to our very special City. The Firefly WAS a neighborhood spot. Actually, it was our favorite spot. We ate there at least once a week when we were in town. And when we weren't in town, we made sure our friends, family and tenants kept it busy! Terrific local fare, casual dining - something on which you could always count. But then it was sold a couple of months ago in a transaction that has now sent it into a tailspin from which I do not believe it will recover. Tonight we spent one and a half hours trodding through mediocre (at best) service waiting for soup and a salad. After being seated by the hostess, we were initially chastised by a bus person for sitting without checking with staff first. This set the tone of the evening. Sitting outside, it began to rain. We were offered an inside table, which we accepted, but the staff ran inside empty handed, telling us to follow, while we carried our own drinks, silverware and menus. More than an hour later, the food (this time) was okay, but not worth the wait. Three other tables were in the same situation - one member of another table actually pounded on the kitchen door in search of her party's fare. As I neared the end of my dinner, but had not finished, my soup was snatched, and with the bus person's thumb in the soup, he asked if I was finished. I guess I was. We spent well over $100 for two, $60 of which was for wine waiting, waiting, and waiting for our meal. Our poor server was new to the place. Had she only asked before, we could have recommended an employer that was probably longer to Savannah. This is the FOURTH dinner we have done with the new ownership, always hoping they would find their feet. The previous three were equally disastrous, including one where the salt shaker seemed to have unapologetically fallen into every dish. One problem is, and probably the biggest one, the new owners could seemingly care less. It is so evident that they themselves aspire only to mediocrity that the Firefly will soon join the ranks of the Savannah remembered (i.e Crystal Beer Parlor), a group a former landmarks driven to death by people who should just not be allowed to own Savannah institutions. They probably saw a good buy and figured their sweatless fortune would be made. There are so many places that created unforgettable memories of our City, of which this used to be one. Now it just watching a good friend walk slowly to its death, which taking the good culinary reputation of yet another place with it. They have such a tiny, and shrinking fast, window to correct, or even care to correct, the rampant fall into closure to which they are headed. I hope the owners step up to the responsibility they purchased and do a little work. Well, a lot of work. Until then - STAY AWAY!!!
Pros: Location, location, location
Cons: Owners, Staff, you name it
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