Yesterdays landmark building in 5 Points changes hands
Yesterdays’ distinctive wedge-shaped building in Five Points, complete with the cowboy in the bathtub above the front door, has changed hands.
Co-owners Darrell Barnes and brothers Scott and Duncan MacRae — who have operated the landmark business at the intersection of Devine and Harden streets and Santee Avenue since 1978 — have sold the building to an undisclosed friend under the corporate name of Tomorrow’s LLC. The adjoining parking lot was part of the deal.
The partners still own the business. They are leasing back the building and vow nothing will change.
“It will be the same in 2020 as it was in 1978,” Barnes said. “The same recipes. The same employees. The man in the tub is not changing. He’s just sitting in a rented tub now.”
Duncan MacRae says he is contemplating retirement. But Barnes say he’s got at least another decade in him.
The restaurant is known for its extensive menus with entrees like S.C Lowcountry Shrimp ‘N Grits (fried or sauteed), Roberto’s Meatloaf (a Hootie and the Blowfish favorite) and Arkansas Traveler (sliced roast beef, black-eyed peas and brown gravy over corn bread).
The decor reflects its 40 years of existence from the military-themed photos and displays in the tap room, to the giant fish tanks to the tables in the main dining decoupaged with 1970s magazine pages.
But the room and decor may change . . . at some point, Barnes said.
“One of the end results when you sell to a younger person is renovations,” he said. “But that’s not going to happen soon. Not even this year.”