After 10 years in the Shaw neighborhood, The Social Affair is celebrating this milestone anniversary by expanding its space and its services with a new venue called The Dogwood. This 8,000-square-foot kitchen and event space will be located at 4308 Manchester Avenue in The Grove, and is slated to open in August 2020.
The Dogwood will be designed as a sophisticated urban lounge, accommodating up to 250 guests for weddings, galas, corporate events, and other various celebrations. This venue is the vision of The Social Affair owner Kelly Spencer, and is being designed and constructed by Trivers Associates Architects, Blair Kweskin Design and Paramount Construction.
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“We wanted to create a space to showcase the creativity of our clients’ events, as well as a restaurant-style kitchen that could expand our culinary offerings,” said Spencer.
The event space will encompass both floors of the building, connected by a grand staircase. The second floor will feature a wall of retractable glass doors that open up to extend the room onto the 640-square-foot patio overlooking The Grove’s main strip. Located upstairs as well is The Pearl Lounge, a green room (sometimes referred to as a “bride’s room”) designed for both women and men.
“We’re happy to be part of The Grove, right in the heart of the action and the wonderful urban atmosphere,” said Spencer.
The much larger kitchen will still churn out those tasty dishes for which The Social Affair is known—shrimp and grits, street taco stations, fried chicken and waffles, and a selection of smoked meats, fish, and veggies—and will be able to accommodate newer and bigger ideas. Spencer hinted at a series of pop-up restaurant events that will benefit local non-profits.
