Firefly Cafe is set on beautiful Troup Square (named for Governor George Troup). The building was constructed in 1869 for Mr. John J. McDonough, who later became the Mayor of Savannah, serving from 1891-1895.
Alfio Finocchiaro, an Italian immigrant, bought the building in 1946. Alfio's youngest son, Frank tried to talk his father out of buying the building. For you see, during those years the neighborhood was quite different. Annual New Years Eve bonfires were held in Troup Square and other downtown squares as a competition by local ¡§gangs¡¨. The fire department was (of course) on hand to make sure the fires didn't get out of control. It was Frank's greatest fear that one day the entire neighborhood (and his parent's home) would go up in a blaze, for having the largest fire was the aim of all the ¡§gangs¡¨. Alfio opened a grocery store on the lower level for his oldest son Mike, which was in operation until the early 1960s. When they closed the grocery store, the location held crab traps for a local fisherman.
In the 1960's the citizens of Savannah started to acknowledge the historic value of downtown, and began the renewal project that turned the Troup Square neighborhood into one of the most beautiful in town.
The next establishment on the lower level of 321 Habersham Street was Triple T Meats. If you talk to the locals, they'll tell you it was the finest butcher shop in Savannah . After the butcher shop, the space became a restaurant. There have been a total of 6 restaurants here.
The carriage house directly behind the building has quite a history as well. During the filming of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , director Clint Eastwood took a bath in the very same claw foot bathtub that still remains upstairs. The Lady Chablis goes to the carriage house in the movie; it was used as her doctor's office. The chains that held the Dr.'s sign still hang from the wrought iron balcony. If you watch the movie, you will see the bay window facing Habersham Street in one of the scenes.
Brian Main, watercolor
Firefly Cafe was established in October of 2002. Our aim was to create a casual and fun neighborhood eatery. We want the neighbors to come out to eat often, and be comfortable here. Our motto: ¡§Treat the neighbors like family and the visitors like neighbors¡¨.
The cafe has two ceiling-high windows with large tables for you to watch the world go by. Pet friendly outdoor seating is available under divine magnolias and live oaks, trimmed with Spanish moss.
Our food is made to order, using only the finest of ingredients. With an emphasis on healthful eating, we serve an eclectic blend of menu items. You will find fabulous salads and our famous Corn Chowder along with a wide variety of pastas and entrees. Being on the Atlantic coast, we naturally offer many fresh fish, shrimp and crab dishes. We also feature chicken, pork and beef entrees. Our wine list is eclectic and focuses on enhancing your dining experience.
An emphasis on environmental awareness is promoted in the restaurant, so we recycle our paper, plastic, glass and metal and only use paper take out containers.
We'd love to invite you to join us on Troup Square for the history, atmosphere, and delicious food that is Firefly.
