Doc’s open for business in former Metropolis location

Published 1:33 pm Monday, July 15, 2024

The youngest of three sons, Sammy Roberts has lived in Milledgeville for most of his life. He received his bachelor’s degree in music therapy and master’s in business while studying at Georgia College & State University, where Roberts also met his wife, Frances. All his work experience has come in the restaurant business and now he has opened his own eatery. 

Roberts said he did not envision owning a restaurant, but it was tough finding something that he believed suited his business degree. When the opportunity to open Doc’s was pitched to him, Roberts saw it as a chance to be his own boss.

Doc’s opened its doors on July 5 at the former home of Metropolis, 138 N. Wayne St. Roberts worked at Metropolis for about four years before the restaurant moved across the street, so he was familiar with the space. That led him and his partners to approach the landlord about taking over the lease. 

“We ran our business model by him, and he liked it and we put pen to paper,” Roberts said. 

That familiarity made setting up the space easier., plus that space fit what they were trying to build (a cozy bar with delicious food) well. 

The Doc’s menu features gourmet sandwiches including Cubans, reubens and banh mis. Doc’s also offers charcuterie boards, poutines and salads. Plans are also in the works for gourmet cocktails like the Old Fashions and espresso martinis as well as wine and draft beer. 

Roberts said the goal was to fill the menu with items that people loved and to rotate sandwiches seasonally, adding new recipes a few times a year. 

The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with plans to eventually extend hours to midnight on weekends. To-go ordering and pickup orders will also be available.

Roberts describes the location for the eatery as a “little nook that feels like it’s tucked away in a corner of downtown.”

“I feel like I can do what I know, and still get to connect with my community which is something that’s important to me,” Roberts said. “I have enjoyed building the menu, and I enjoy being able to be a part of all processes from helping in the kitchen to helping the wait staff.”

Opening Doc’s in Milledgeville is special for Roberts because he has such a strong connection to the city. 

“Milledgeville is a small and tight-knit community, that I’ve been a part of my whole life,” he said “I want to be able to give back to my home for once, and offer the community a fun neighborhood bar and restaurant that they can relax at and catch a ball game with some friends, or relax on the patio with their dog.”