Duane Harris moved to Augusta in early 2008 to become the food and beverage director for The Partridge Inn. Now, he has branched out on his own, opening Polka Dot Pig Gastro Pub at 399 Highland Ave.
"I just wanted something fun and exciting, a little different for people to come and enjoy. I wanted it to be affordable for people. ... Especially in this economy now, you want to make sure that it's affordable. People are still going out to eat. They're just not spending as much money as they did before," Harris said.
Polka Dot Pig Gastro Pub, which opened in mid-July in Surrey Center, has nearly 40 employees.
Harris, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Deanna, wanted a name that was catchy.
"We thought of names with animals because a lot of gastro pubs are named with animals in it. We thought of the spotted pig, but we liked the play on it with the polka dot pig," Harris said.
The pub serves "eclectic comfort food," ranging from fish and chips and fried lobster tails to Baltimore burgers, the restaurant's best-seller, consisting of a half-pound burger with crab meat and an onion ring on top.
The restaurant, which seats 120, serves lunch and dinner.
Harris spent the past year doing market research and scouting locations. He renovated the 4,000-square-foot space that was once home to The Public House.
"It's all about location. Surrey Center was a great area. It's a unique shopping area. It's got a lot of different stores and restaurants, and I wanted to be a part of it. Surrey Center kind of sold me on moving to Augusta," Harris said.
The Detroit native has worked in fine dining restaurants in the Detroit area, including the Ritz-Carlton.
"I've worked in restaurants all my life. It's in my blood," he said. "I love restaurants. It's a fun, exciting atmosphere. I love to be able to provide great service for my guests."
I hope that the food & service have improved since the first two weeks.
Looking at those polka dots would mess up my appetite. Too busy for me.
I have eaten there...liked it...met the owner , like him.....but the dots need to go or make them a pretty color.....trim in lace or something!!
;)
Decent food. Decent prices. A bit too cute and hip. I did not see any servers with visable tatoos or black fingernail polish. I'll go back.
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