Frank Vaiana is an East End legend. He is the man (the myth & the legend) behind Frank’s Gents Hairdresser, which was the go-to place for a clip in Adelaide’s East End. That was, until in October last year, Frank shut shop after 65 years in the industry.
Now, with the shop empty and his legacy fresh, the team at Jack and Jill’s Basement Bar have created a Fringe pop-up bar. It’s Frank’s Bar, operating out of the old hair salon.
So now, rather than getting a haircut in the Exchange Avenue nook, you can grab a cold one.
Spe Caruana and Tom McLean came up with the concept on a night out together.
“We wanted to do something a bit different to the others on the street. We wanted to create an eatery garden vibe, where people can grab a quick drink before a Fringe show, but where they can also sit and make a night of it.”
The name, of course, comes from Frank. And whilst Frank isn’t included, it’s definitely Frank approved, as he joined in on the opening night festivities.
“Frank bought us out of our opening night t-shirt’s” Tom laughed. “We’ve had to put through a third order.”
Frank’s Bar showcases many local suppliers, as well as a couple of foreign products like Peroni and Pol Roger thrown in to top it off.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? Well you’ll have to hurry. Franks Bar is only a pop-up, and wraps up when Fringe does next weekend.
Asked if they had plans for after Fringe, Tom said “We’d love to maybe move into a more permanent space if it became available.”
So grab your buddies, and finish off the Fringe in style, and in celebration of a brilliant legacy created by a brilliant South Australian.
Where: 16 Vardon Ave. Shop 4. Adelaide South Australia 5000
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 4pm until the 19th March
For more information, click here.
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