Savannah’s second full service, plant-based restaurant will be closing its doors for good on Thursday, exactly two years to the day since it opened.
The Haunt, a self described ‘Forest to Table’ vegetarian/vegan restaurant at 606 Abercorn Street in Savannah’s Historic District, will be closing permanently following dinner service on Thursday, July 27th.
The news was confirmed by owner Clay Ehmke on Monday night. “Thursday will be our last service.”
The Haunt opened in July 2021. At the time, Ehmke faced a city-wide firestorm of accusations and protests alleging sexual misconduct and substance abuse. Several women came forward, some anonymously, to air their grievances and accusations. According to local media reports, the complaints were taken to the Savannah Police Department’s Special Victims Unit who investigated the allegations, but found insufficient evidence to move forward.
Ehmke says he was never questioned by police, nor were criminal charges ever filed.
In September 2021, a lawsuit was filed in Chatham County by an accuser who said Ehmke videotaped her during an intimate act and then distributed the video to others who were not present. The lawsuit demanded a trial by jury. A trial date has not yet been set.
The accusations did stir widespread negative sentiment across Savannah. Particularly among the vegetarian and vegan community. As such, The Haunt never developed a consistent following. Fox and Fig on Habersham Street downtown remains Savannah’s only true full service plant based restaurant.
For those that have enjoyed The Haunt for the last 2 years, Thursday’s “Last Supper” will be a special menu 4 course event. The menu is posted below. Cost is $77 per person or $99 to include a beer or wine pairing with each course.
Interested parties can email a reservation request to clay@thehauntsav.com
