When the Manci family approached Harry Johnson about finding a tenant for the family’s property in Olde Towne Daphne, Harry knew immediately the first person that he was going to contact. That individual was none other than the owner and the man behind music at Mobile’s most unique neighborhood pub, Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, Mr. John Thompson. Thompson agreed to partner with Johnson on the project and the tasks began. An incredible amount of work  had to be completed including a kitchen and bathroom demolition and remodel. In order to make room for tables, chairs and customers, there was an auction held to liquidate the remaining Manci’s memorabilia that was on permanent display inside the building.
Manci’s Antique Club was originally built in 1924 and has served as a popular Eastern Shore watering hole and tourist destination that features the world’s largest Jim Beam decanter collection. That collection is on loan from the Manci family and still on display in the bar area. The name, theme and history of the establishment is in keeping with the Manci’s tradition but the new regime has implemented music and menu reflective of a Callaghan’s influence. Thompson has hosted some of the South’s most talented musicians at his Mobile establishment and is now booking music on a regular basis at Manci’s Antique Club. The bar at Manci’s was opened mid May and a few weeks later a limited kitchen menu was introduced. Since then, Zane Phillips has been hired as the kitchen manager and the menu has grown. Zane spent a little time with the Callaghan’s kitchen crew to get a feel for their recipes and processes. He then used his culinary background and with the input from the Manci’s staff and gave the new menu its own identity. The expanded menu includes appetizers, salads, burgers, a patty melt, shrimp po boy, chicken sandwiches, BLT and a reuben. There is even a kids menu and desserts. After Labor Day a few finishing touches will be added to the regular menu and the Brunch menu will debut featuring a Bloody Mary Bar. Manci’s current hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 3:30pm until 10pm, Friday through Sunday, 11am until11pm. Manci’s Antique Club, 1715 Main Street, Daphne (251) 375-0543 • http://www.mancisantiqueclub.com • Facebook “Manci’s Antique Club”

Manci’s Antique Club to host fundraiser benefitting Kenny Stabler’s XOXO Stabler Foundation
NFL Films will tell the story of Alabama and NFL star Ken Stabler in A Football Life, scheduled to air in December 2015. NFL Films was set to interview Ken at Manci’s for A Football Life before he passed away on July 8th following a battle with colon cancer.
The fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 29th at 6:30 pm in Buster’s Town Hall and Venue to benefit The XOXO Stabler Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports sports-related head trauma and colon cancer research. Since 2004, the XOXO Stabler Foundation has donated over $250,000 to local organizations.
Local Alabama Football alumni, family, and friends will make toasts to honor Ken’s memory. Tickets are $25, limited to 100 people, and include a buffet, live music, and a cash bar.  Tickets are now available at Manci’s Antique Club, and will be available at Callaghan’s, as of the weekend of the 14th.  Reserved tables of 6 can be purchased for $300.  For more information, call Manci’s at 251-375-0543.