Old ‘Blockers’ building in Effingham County gets new owner

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - A new owner has bought the building that used to house an Effingham County favorite, best known for its fried chicken.

The old Blockers in downtown Springfield closed down a few years back. You could say it’s now getting a face lift. The new owner and her contractor are prepping for a brand new foundation, but not a new building.

When Becky Tebeau bought the old Blockers building in July 2017, she knew she wanted to keep the integrity of the over 100-year-old building, even if it meant raising it on stilts.

“Where the chicken was fried and where people came in to get chicken, the wood is in good shape,” Tebeau said. “You can see the beams have no termite damage.”

However, other parts of the foundation need replacing. Tebeau is getting her hands dirty with the renovations, but she’s not revealing what she’s turning the place into just yet.

“It seems to sit right between the two red lights, so it’s kind of the centerpoint,” she said. “We’re hoping to keep close to what it was.”

What it was, was an Effingham favorite for years. As the renovations continue, locals remember their favorite memories of Blockers.

“One of my favorite things, and a lot of people will say the same thing, is the coleslaw, believe it or not,” said Brett Bennett, Springfield City Manager. “As a kid, coleslaw was not something we typically liked, but that’s one of the memories people have there.”

It’s hard for Effingham residents to forget the question, “On or off the bone," when the restaurant was known for serving their chicken sandwiches two ways. You might not hear that question again, but locals hope the project will continue to build on Springfield’s downtown revitalization.

“I’m excited for what’s coming there now. Again, it may not be Blockers, but I have a feeling it can be just as iconic for downtown Springfield."

There is no official timeline for when the renovations will be completed, but they are hoping around four months from now.

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