CAFÉ SAVANNAH, THE HOT SPOT!

By Frederick A. Hurst

Tony Taylor dreamed about starting a nice Afro-American night spot in downtown Springfield. “I always saw places like the Windsor Court and Megan’s in Mason Square but never a first class place downtown for Black folks,” he said. He considered a place in the entertainment district and went to speak to city officials about supporting him. One city official told him, “It would be better for you to open up Jinxy’s,” which made him even more determined to locate a downtown spot.

He wasn’t comfortable with the entertainment district locations in the Worthington Street area. He recalled a vacant piece of property about two blocks south from the corner of State and Main Streets. It was called the Ross building, a 10,000 square foot vacant eyesore that the city had tried to entice developers to for years. Tony Taylor’s mind started churning. He saw no reason why he could not become that developer.

He scrambled to gain control of the building and fought against unfavorable odds to retain control. He went to the city of Springfield for technical assistance and the same level of financial assistance that others in downtown were given. He got the technical assistance from a consultant who seemed to understand his vision for the building and he petitioned for and obtained an alcoholic beverage license. But rather than financial assistance from the city, he received a long list of empty promises for at least two years. Just before the Albano administration came to an end, more downtown White businesses were funded but Tony Taylor was left with smoke and mirrors of unfulfilled promises.

Undeterred, Tony went to his savings and his friends and his own resourcefulness at working with his hands. He didn’t have enough money to rehabilitate the entire building, so he made a decision to secure and mothball two thirds of it and rehabilitate the remainder immediately as a first phase. Accordingly, while doing much of the work himself, he was able to open a bar on the first floor. The opening was right on time. All of his money was going out and nothing was coming in. He wasn’t quite ready but felt folks would understand as long as he provided them with good service and entertainment and a pleasant environment, which he did with an A-plus.

When he opened Café Savannah, he received a groundswell of support from the Black community that reinforced his philosophy that “Business is not all about money. “He had watched too many bars dive for the dollar and forsake the environment that would keep good customers returning. “Young money is kept out because it’s short term,” he said. He was careful to explain that all customers are welcomed but cussing is out and good behavior is in, and his customers seem to love it.

Tony was accustomed to working for himself. In 1977 he opened an auto cleaning business with his two brothers. The late Peter Picknelly’s mother organized the opening ceremonies and then Mayor Richard Neal cut the ceremonial ribbon. Later Tony purchased a used car dealership on Magazine Street in Mason Square, which he operated for eighteen years before finally giving it up for a job at Municipal Hospital, where he became active in the union.

But the thirst for something of his own kept gnawing at Tony. He still works at the hospital as he grows Café Savannah but plans to leave and work full time in the business as he tackles the next two phases. He has all but secured the finances for the second phase, which will include a restaurant and a VIP room. The third phase will be a 300 capacity banquet facility on the second floor.

Initially the odds were against Tony when he first began to work on establishing a bar and restaurant and banquet hall that Black folks could be proud of. As he said, “It was tougher than I thought.” But now, the odds of completing his dream have shifted in his favor and with continued support from the community, we will all have a place to go where we can relax, have fun and be proud of.

You’re not alone Tony! n