Rick Kunzi and Trey Wilder’s bromance has crossed many cities, bearing creative cookery and cocktails.
Some might call it luck, others destiny, which brought this dynamic duo to town, but now that they’re here, visitors and locals alike are reaping the tasty benefits in Downtown Savannah.
With their long-distance relationship, the eclectic and casual southern eatery with a twist, Treylor Park, was born on Bay Street. The two finally reunited. Kunzi, a playwright on Broadway, moved from New York City to Savannah, following Wilder’s lead. Shortly after, Hitch made its debut into the southern restaurant scene in July 2016.
Hitch takes “Southern food with a twist” up a notch.
Hitch offers an array of exceptionally eccentric dishes, many of which were once specials at Treylor Park.
In addition to the popular Treylor Park Nachos, Chicken Pancake Tacos and PB&J Wings, Hitch’s menu features a completely new array of eggrolls, salads, local plates, pizzas and “shares,” or shareable plates.
“The menu’s about 30 percent the same, but it’s the same style of food,” Wilder revealed. “Most of our food items that we do here, we ran as specials at Treylor Park and they worked.”
But these aren’t anyone’s classic entrees—Hitch’s eggroll selection includes a Cheese Steak Eggroll with marinated ribeye, cheddar cheese, bell peppers and caramelized onions with a beer cheese dipping sauce, a Duck Pot Pie Eggroll with slow cooked duck, peas, carrots, corn, onions, celery and asparagus with a herb foie gras sauce with an onion marmalade, and a Shrimp Po Boy Eggroll with cabbage, caramelized onions, bell peppers and shrimp with a Cajun cream dipping sauce.
Chili Hummus, Sausage/Cheese Beignets, Fried Quail and Donuts and Lamb Pops are fan favorites.
Their taco selection includes an Ahi Tuna Taco and Chorizo Taco. Duck Confit Pizza and Carpaccio Pizza made their debut in the pizza section. Miyagi Wings and Smoked Bacon Bourbon Wings are out as well.
These fares tempt the likes of many inside the space formerly known as Granite. Kunzi and Wilder transformed it from fine dining establishment to a friendly, spacious eatery and bar that just feels good.
Maybe it’s the exposed brick walls and the wooden ceiling or the refurbished wood bar and local artists’ work in the space; either way, all of their “Treylor Park” touches—be it the textures, copper flair or bicycle cruisers—give Hitch the look of a modern saloon with the feel of a friend’s house.
“It all came together, I think, a lot nicer than we anticipated,” Wilder exclaimed.
But it wouldn’t have been possible without Executive Chef Marvin Sterling III, who moved from Ruth Chris to Treylor Park, where he helped Wilder tweak and perfect their playful plates.
“He fit in perfectly; he last piece of the puzzle,” Wilder pointed out.
“We just want the neighborhood to appreciate us as much as we embrace them—that’s always been our goal,” Kunzi explained. “When we tell our staff what Treylor Park is, it’s a mindset, it’s a lifestyle. It’s like throwing a party at your house—you want everyone to try something, make sure they always have what they want and that they really enjoy themselves.”
“And make sure they leave happy, and come back and tell their friends,” Wilder added.
Locations:
- Hitch is located at 300 Drayton St. For more information, call Hitch at (912) 239-6970.
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Treylor Park – Savannah is located at 115 E Bay St. For more information, call (888) 873-9567.
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Double Wide Diner is located at 135a West Bay St. For more information, call (912) 298-6750.
