Tallahassee’s Hayward House Marks One-Year Anniversary with Community Celebration

Tallahassee Celebrates a Year of Hayward House’s Success

TALLAHASSEE, FL – This Saturday marks a significant milestone for the downtown area as the Hayward House American bistro celebrates its one-year anniversary at the corner of Adams and Jefferson streets. Formerly known as Andrew’s Downtown, the venue has transformed into a vibrant dining establishment under the ownership of Ashley Chaney.

Event Details

To commemorate this anniversary, the Hayward House will hold a celebration open to the public on Friday, December 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy live music performed by country singer Zach Mannino, along with a complimentary glass of champagne. This event not only marks a year of operation but also highlights the establishment’s integration into the community.

Growth and Success

Since opening, the Hayward House has quickly become a focal point for downtown activity. Chaney noted that the past year exceeded her expectations. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year. And in other ways, it feels like a million years ago, because so much has happened,” she expressed. The establishment has introduced popular items like the “Rascal Yard” tequila cocktail and the “Hayward Double” cheeseburger, attracting a steady stream of patrons.

As part of a broader trend, the Hayward House is one of several new ventures revitalizing downtown Tallahassee. Other notable additions include the quick-service café Assembly on Adams and the newly renovated Governors Inn boutique hotel. These establishments contribute to a resurgence of energy in the area, reflecting a growing interest in dining and entertainment options.

Community Engagement

Over the last year, the Hayward House has successfully hosted a variety of events, ranging from weddings to jazz-filled brunches. It played a role in catering the “Mayor’s Bicentennial Ball,” solidifying its status as a go-to venue for significant celebrations in the community.

Chaney credits her dedicated team for the success of the business, stating, “It makes things a lot easier when you have really good people around you.” She emphasized that typical challenges faced during the first year provided valuable learning experiences, especially during busy periods like the impending 2024 legislative session and the Tallahassee Bicentennial Festival.

Looking Forward

As the second year approaches, Chaney has set goals to further enhance customer experience and streamline operations. She stated, “We have learned so much over the last year, and I’m so glad that we can now have some information to look back on and say, ‘this is what worked, this is what didn’t.’”

Practical Information for Visitors

For those planning to attend the anniversary celebration, the Hayward House is located at 228 S. Adams St.. The establishment offers a complimentary valet service for guests, while metered on-street parking and underground parking at Kleman Plaza are also available nearby.

The first year has proven to be an exciting journey for the Hayward House, and as they celebrate this milestone, it is clear that the establishment has firmly rooted itself within the heart of downtown Tallahassee. Patrons and community members alike look forward to what the future holds.