ALBANY — A decade after second-generation restaurateur Shane Spillenger opened Nanola, a Louisiana-themed restaurant and music venue in Malta, he is now developing a sister location in downtown Albany.
The new establishment, named Nanola South, will be housed in the 388 Broadway building which was previously Red Square, a bar and music venue that later transformed into Parish Public House — A Louisiana Eatery & Drinkery. Parish Public House closed down recently without much fanfare.
Spillenger, together with Parish’s general manager, Liam Bancroft, revealed that Nanola South will have a similar concept to the original restaurant, but with its own unique touch.
“Since they are situated in different areas, an identical business model won’t be effective,” explained Spillenger. “While you will notice some similarities, it won’t be an exact replica.”
One of the adaptations will be the introduction of quick-service food options to cater to the downtown lunch crowd and attendees of events at the nearby MVP Arena. Additionally, Spillenger and Bancroft have planned an exciting music lineup, including live performances, for the new location.
They also intend to enhance the music venue at the back of the building — known as the Bayou Backroom — to accommodate banquets, private events, live-streamed sports and concerts, alongside regular music performances.
The anticipated opening is in December, although early to mid-January seems more probable.
The name “Nanola” was originally coined by local entrepreneur Larry Davis, who is an investor in various restaurants in the Capital Region. The name serves as a nod to the nanotech industry at nearby GlobalFoundries and the familiar abbreviation “NOLA” for New Orleans, Louisiana.
Nanola South brings back the names Spillenger and Bayou to downtown Albany. Shane Spillenger’s late father, Ralph Spillenger, opened the Albany location of Glenville-based Bayou Cafe in 2000. The Bayou, located on North Pearl Street, operated for twelve years during which Ralph Spillenger acquired the North Pearl sports bar Jillian’s from its parent company. Shane Spillenger worked alongside his father at the restaurants and organized music shows there. Both establishments closed in 2012, with the Bayou space eventually becoming The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, where Shane Spillenger regularly hosts live music events through his entertainment company, Sugar Production. Additionally, Spillenger is the founder of the annual PearlPalooza festival held in downtown Albany.
Recognizing that 388 Broadway has a history of being a music hotspot, with Red Square and Parish Public House, Spillenger and Bancroft are committed to upholding that tradition with Nanola South by providing a platform for emerging acts to make their debut in Albany.
“We want to be the stepping stone for new and popular bands,” said Spillenger. “Preserving that atmosphere is crucial to us.”
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