Update: HeyDay will open in the former Oak Hill Cafe location May 24.
When Paul and Sarah Klaassen visited the future location for upcoming sandwich and cocktail eatery HeyDay last March, they weren’t looking for anything.
The couple brought chicken and donut concept HenDough to Gather GVL, and are co-owners of KO Restaurant Group, which owns KO Burger, Mercado Cantina and the Lob Father. While looking at the space they began tossing around ideas. Later that day, they put it under contract.
The former tenant at 2510 Poinsett Highway, Oak Hill Cafe, shuttered in December 2022. It was a former house built out to be a restaurant. For HeyDay, it had to be opened up a bit.
“We’re removing a couple of walls,” Paul said. “We’re expanding the bar, (and) making some changes in the kitchen to work with the concept.”
The owners will remove a portion of the hill next to the restaurant to create more green space and incorporate amphitheater-style seating, an astroturf area and a stage.
“The front’s going to kind of stay the same. So it’ll be a little unsuspecting, which I think will be kind of fun,” Sarah said. “But when you turn to go up into the back of the property for parking, that’s where it’s going to open up.”
Guests can expect over-the-top, playful cuisine with an emphasis on sandwiches. The couple teased a Texas reuben, a mortadella and one they’re calling a croquette madame. The last is partially inspired by Paul’s father, who loves croquettes.
The restaurant is targeted to open in May.
