Gentleman’s South, located at 331 Broad St., is owned by sisters Sarah Beth Bennett and Mary Allison Dotson.
Bennett, who will be moving to Rome to run the local store, said they decided to start the business out of a passion for their Southern roots.
The store will stock a wide variety of merchandise.
“These lines found in our store symbolize the characteristics instilled in a true gentleman,” Bennett said.
All of the brands that will be offered are designed by entrepreneurs with Southern backgrounds who have tried to create products that offer a combination of comfort, style and tradition, according to Bennett.
The owners have a number of mutual friends with Broad Street businessman Jay Shell, and the new business will be located in what was formerly the banquet room of Shell’s 333 on Broad restaurant.
The building is actually owned by George Pullen.
“It’s very exciting,” said Downtown Development Director Ann Arnold. “The more retail we can add, the greater traffic we can generate, and the more variety we can offer.”
Shell, who is a member of the Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors, said he feels the store can be a big hit.
“Their store in Tifton is frequently shopped by country artist Thomas Rhett and his dad Rhett Atkins,” Shell said. “I see this store as being a cool place for men to find nice clothing.”
Gentleman’s South is expected to open on April 5. Bennett said formal grand opening ceremonies will be held the following weekend, April 12-14, coinciding with the Atlanta Steeplechase weekend.
“That’s what we hoped for,” Bennett said.
Bennett said that the Sunday of the grand opening weekend will be the only Sunday that the store will be open.
The special hours on that date are expected to be from 1 to 6 p.m.
Regular hours will be Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mom and I would walk up one side and down the other. Even if we didn't buy, it was so nice just window shopping. The sidewalks were always packed. So much so I got lost a couple of times.
The old Krystal is a very fond memory! I can still remember the way it smelled when walking in, and I always had to have a piece of lemon pie.... ahhhh, such good memories of the bustling old Broad Street! Wish the vibrant times would revisit us once again, and soon!