313 FRANKLIN COCKTAILS AND KITCHEN

South Hill, Virginia // What’s the last place you’d expect to find an up-and-coming young restaurateur who’s fresh out of school and life in the big city? Back at elementary school in her hometown. But that’s exactly what happened for visionary entrepreneur Hannah Hayes. Only this time, the school was a converted mixed use live-work-play-dine space in her native South Hill.

Named the Dogwood for its proximity to the state’s oldest dogwood tree, the newly chic complex now houses an event space in the old auditorium, spacious apartments and lofts in former classrooms, and a high end but affordable new dining option in what was once the cafeteria. Hannah learned about the opportunity and fell in love.

"When I saw the cafeteria I thought, this is exactly the kind of thing you see in bigger cities. Now I can bring that upscale, relaxed chic feeling home to South Hill," Hannah said.

Hannah called her restaurant 313 Franklin Cocktails and Kitchen, and decided to run with the the cafeteria-turned-craft kitchen vibe. She kept the dining space open, just like a school cafeteria, and included lots of white, accents, industrial tile and touches of chartreuse green. The menu reads like a report card, and all the dishes are riffs on cafeteria culture. But as Hannah points out, the connection ends there. "You will NOT be getting cafeteria style food at 313 Franklin Cocktails and Kitchen! We’re all about local foods, prepared simply and well, paired with a fun cocktail or two. I wanted to create an experience that was as much about the food as it was about the atmosphere," she said.

And early reports show it’s working. After serving her first three weeks of guests in February 2020, the restaurant (like many) switched to temporary take-out only. It’s that kind of quick-change operation that might outfox other new owners. But Hannah takes it all in stride. "We’re serving great food that tastes just as good to go as it does here. When we reopen our dining room, we’ll add our fantastic atmosphere to the equation. Simple."

Spoken like a true valedictorian.

Visit Hannah at 313 Franklin Cocktails and Kitchen for a meal to go now, and for dine-in service soon. As always, be sure to call before you go to learn about any last minute changes to hours, operations or limited menus.