New owner plans to open restaurant June 1

By Donnie A. Lucas

Renovations are currently underway to transform the former Fort Griffin Restaurant and Beehive Saloon into a home for The Goodnight Steakhouse & Saloon, according to operating partner Michaela Smith.

The iconic “Beehive” closed in January after operating for 40 years in Albany, even prompting a second location in Abilene that is still in operation.

“We are excited to be able to open our new restaurant and bar in such a legendary location in Albany,” Smith said. “The restaurant will maintain the rustic character of the building, with a few refined accents.”

The new restaurant is planning a “soft” opening on June 1 and tentatively will be open to the public on Wednesday through Saturday evenings, and for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Smith said that the license to continue operating the bar as a private club is being processed.

A limited summer menu will be available during June during the Fort Griffin Fandangle, with a more expanded menu becoming available in the fall, according to Smith.

“Our menu will always have an emphasis on steak, but we will have a variety of other options,” she said.

The property was purchased by Jason Harlow of Harlow Cattle Company in Dallas, with Smith who has been an Albany resident and business owner for the past eight years serving as the operating partner.

Smith said that when she heard a Dallas resident had purchased the property, she offered to help.

“I offered to acquaint him with the traditions of the community and share with him the role the restaurant had played,” she said. “And I ended up in a partnership with a full-time job. We are excited to see the new restaurant and staff continue to serve the community and the area.”

Smith said that she will be interviewing to fill all positions later in April.

Workers have dismantled the porch or patio addition on the north side of the restaurant that was open only seasonally weather permitting and are constructing a similar structure that will be available year-round. She said that it will have glass garage doors that can be opened during certain seasons of the year and will have a small stage area for live music.

The configuration of the existing three buildings will change slightly, with the main entrance located at what was the entrance to the bar area. Larger passageways are also being built between the buildings to open the flow.

Major upgrades are being made to the kitchen area, and all the electrical systems are being replaced.

The newly constructed all-season building will be opened into the bar area to extend the space if needed.

Smith noted that it was more cost effective to rebuild the patio area from the ground up rather than attempt to weatherize it and raise the ceiling to accommodate the garage doors that can be opened during pleasant weather.

Smith noted that the rough-hewn cedar plank interior will remain, including all of the dollar bills and other currency that cover the walls.

“There are minor changes being made, but it is important to keep the character of the space the same,” she said.