A local couple with an extensive background in the Fredericksburg restaurant scene plans to open a New York-style deli and speakeasy bar downtown.
Paul and Emma Stoddard behind the deli counter on the first floor of the William Street space. (Photo by Bill Freehling)
Emma and Paul Stoddard are renovating the former Cafe New Orleans/Bourbon Room space at 216-218 William St. and hope to open their new ventures in late 2024. They are planning two concepts in the space under one business umbrella.
On the first floor will be Galvin’s Delicatessen, which the Stoddards describe thusly on Facebook: “NY style, Jewish inspired fare deli, focusing on fresh from scratch recipes. Slow braised, smoked meats and fish, fresh salads, soups, spreads, mouth watering soft serve and homemade desserts.” Galvin’s will be open late mornings into the late afternoons, the Stoddards said.
It will open occasionally in the evenings for specialty dining and events, and a corner of the space will be dedicated to a kids’ play area with a small library.
Upstairs will be a speakeasy they are planning to call South River. That will be open late afternoons and evenings Thursday through Saturday, and for events. There are two bars upstairs and separate bathrooms. The Stoddards plan to serve small-plate fare including hors d’oeuvres and shareables at South River, in addition to an array of cocktails and bar items.
Emma Stoddard noted there aren’t many places downtown where people can get late-night snacks, so they hope to help fill that void with South River.
The original Galvin’s speakeasy in Jersey City. Photo courtesy of Emma Stoddard.
Emma Stoddard said her great-grandfather ran a speakeasy behind an ice cream store during Prohibition in Jersey City called Galvin’s (Galvin was her grandmother’s maiden name). That inspired the name and concept behind the new ventures.
For 18 years, Paul Stoddard was part of the ownership and operations group at Fredericksburg’s Sunken Well Tavern, before selling his share in that business to Steve Cameli earlier this year. Emma Stoddard is an artist and Realtor who manages the Hometown Realty office downtown.
Bill Freehling covers local business for the Fredericksburg Free Press. He can be reached at: [email protected].
