The ever-expanding Public hospitality group has announced it will reopen The Empire pub in Annandale as The Federal with two established food concepts inside.
Fabbrica and Maybe Frank will each have dedicated dining spaces at The Federal and will be separated by a sports bar.
The Annandale location marks the third venue for Fabbrica (CBD, Balmain) and the second for Maybe Frank (Randwick), which will both be venturing into the area for the first time.
“Both Fabbrica and Maybe Frank are established neighbourhood eateries that resonate with their communities, so combining them under one roof will create a diverse experience in food and drink for the suburb,” says Public executive chairman Jon Adgemis.
“When we’re creating an enhanced vision for a property, we want to expand on what already exists within the suburb and offer even more experiences from a hospitality perspective.”
Scheduled to open in late November, patrons can expect Fabbrica’s signature pasta menu including the iconic cacio e pepe as well as mains covering cotoletta alla Milanese and Bistecca with salsa verde and osso bucco.
Love Tilly Group Founder and Director Matt Swieboda is taking care of the wine list alongside Melissa Moore (head of beverage and training for La Salut and Fabbrica), which is set to feature minimal-intervention drops from Italy as well as wines from Australian makers focused on native Italian varieties.
Fabbrica’s 80-seat dining room will be located in the front of the pub, while Maybe Frank will take over the outdoor terrace and a dining room, accommodating 55 guests across both areas.
“Maybe Frank is all about relaxed dining and the space suits that perfectly,” says Vince Lombardo, executive director business development at Public.
Antipasti and wood-fired pizza will be the focus at Maybe Frank along with cocktails by Maybe Sammy’s Paolo Maffietti.
The Federal is currently undergoing a renovation, with an official opening date to come.