Upcoming Albany eatery/music venue changes name, menu

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- What was initially supposed to be a second location of Nanola in Malta will now be taking on its own identity. Nanola South has been renamed Ophelia's on Broadway, and will be located in the former Parish Public House at 388 Broadway in Albany.

Owners Shane Spillenger and Liam Bancroft changed the name because they thought it was a mouthful. Since Spillenger had previously worked with his family at The Bayou Café's two locations in Albany and Glenville, he wanted this new venue to have its own identity.

Spillenger and Bancroft decided on the new name after listening to the Lumineers song "Ophelia." Spillenger said his best friend's daughter is named Ophelia, and they have friends with pets named after the song.

"I know it resonates with other people because the feedback has been great," said Spillenger. "And now we are in a time crunch that we needed to take the leap. We hope we made the right choice."

The venue was supposed to be a second location of Nanola, Spillenger's restaurant and live music venue with New Orleans influences in Malta. Since it will now be on its own, the menu will no longer need to be New Orleans-inspired.

They are starting fresh with the menu and are consulting with an area chef. Spillenger said he's going to keep the menu and chef a secret a little bit longer, but he is excited about them.

Ophelia's will have as many live music performances as possible, said Spillenger. He is planning for the venue to be open every day from at least 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

"We are working diligently to get the space open ASAP with the city of Albany and our landlords," said Spillenger. "Everyone has been really helping us and it feels great to be back in Albany doing business."

Spillenger said they have some events booked and may be trying to open in a couple of weeks but with limited food. Ophelia's on Broadway will then have its grand opening with its full menu in about six weeks or so, said Spillenger.