When a new restaurant moves into the neighborhood, until you eat there for the first time, it’s like anticipating a blind date.

The same insecurities and hopes apply: Will it be beautiful? Will we have the same values when it comes to spending? Will it fit in with the rest of the family/neighborhood? And of course, how will it taste?

I’ll say this about The Public House, which is taking over the old Magnolia spot at the corner of Princess Anne and Colley: If she’s anything like her sisters, I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be love at first sight.

Still.

The Public House is the newest creation from the good folks that have given us Bardo in Ghent and Still in Portsmouth, two of AltDaily’s personal local favorites. One of the owners, Eric Stevens, graciously answered our questions about their remodeling of the site, the future of Ghent, and those horrible planters.

AltDaily: As you know, Ghent residents prefer their local dining establishments to have a personality, a character all its own. What will The Public House’s identity be, and how will that be expressed (i.e. theme, type of food)?

Eric Stevens: The Public House is going to be a throwback, casual neighborhood bar. Think Fells Point in Baltimore but with locals only. Everything comfort you look for in a restaurant. Dark wood, seating in large booths, pool, darts and maybe even a shuffleboard table so you can go out and do something besides stare at a television.

Our restaurants have always been about conversations between friends and while we will have a television or two, this is not a sports bar, this is a neighborhood bar. The cuisine will be interesting but all based in the old pub fare of years ago. No grand gestures to fusion in this place. Think hot dogs: but made in-house, think French fries: but fried in duck fat instead of veg oil, think big salads and interesting veggie and vegan options.

What sort of crowd are you shooting for?

The age group can be classified as “old enough to order a shot without calling it a shooter.”

What sort of physical changes can we expect from Magnolia in the interior?

The Public House, not quite ready for the public. (Photo | Eric Stevens)

You can’t take over the space from a restaurant that had an amazing 17-year run without drastically altering the interior. Let’s just say we hope you don’t recognize it.

And the exterior (which I think we’d all agree can use some work)?

You didn’t like the flower pots that looked like they were built to stop a suicide bomber? Yes new awnings, new patio, new windows, new doors, maybe even some sidewalk detail added. We will also be using the classic corner entrance as our front door.

Predict some customer favorites…

We’re still working on the menu, so it’s a little early to pick the faves now. I do think it’s safe to say that the duck fat fries are going to blow some minds, though.

You also own Still in Portsmouth and Bardo, also in Ghent. Why another one? Why now?

Karl and I have always looked at any space or project that has crossed our desks. We have looked at projects locally, in Erie PA, in Whitefish MO, an old Gold Barge in Breckenridge, CO. We’ll look anywhere. Every now and again something hits the radar screen that just looks like fun. The space screams fun!

More interior in development.

The businesses in Ghent seem to have been fairly resilient during this recession. Why do you think that is?

When you have independent businesses renting from independent landlords you have a shared goal of seeing each other succeed. The one comment that made me cringe during the recession has been folks who say “I can’t believe ‘insert name here’ is closing. I loved that place.” Then you find out they haven’t been there in a year.

The lesson I hope everyone has learned is that if you enjoy a business, frequent that business. Don’t have some national chain cater your event, give it to a local company who employees local folks and doesn’t send 70 percent back to some corporate office in Denver or LA. Restaurants collect an extra 6.5 percent tax that goes right into the city coffers. It is one of the easiest things you can do to support your city and your neighborhood.

A neighborhood is never complete, but is always evolving. What do you see in Ghent’s future? What is it missing?

Sidewalk vendors selling flowers and live outdoor music come to mind. Stop building city centers and focus your efforts on established neighborhoods that bring in folks like downtown, Ghent, Olde Towne Portsmouth. You know, places that already HAVE character.

When are you shooting for opening night?

Before the end of the year.

Anything you’d like to add?

Thanks for asking us about this project! We’d also like to thank Dr. Keith Newby because we would’t be doing this project without him.