Big Bon Bodega, an award-winning neighborhood eatery and community gathering place featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” is deeply honored to re-launch Miss Sophie’s restaurant at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force at 175 Bourne Ave. in Pooler, Ga., serving classic, Southern-style lunch favorites.

Starting on January 6, 2026, Miss Sophie’s will be owned and operated by Big Bon Bodega founder Kay Heritage and Partner/Executive Chef Shahin Afsharian, joining popular Big Bon Bodega locations in Savannah, Ga. and Pooler, Ga. Miss Sophie’s was originally founded by Hazelhurst, Ga. native Teri Bell and her late husband, Steve, in 2006 and is known for serving signature Southern comfort food, from fried chicken to homemade banana pudding.

“We’re thrilled to expand Teri’s incredible vision for Miss Sophie’s, to honor her impressive legacy in Pooler and to reimagine Southern comfort food,” said Kay Heritage, founder of Big Bon Bodega. “We look forward to serving longtime customers and warmly invite area residents to discover the magic of Miss Sophie’s. We love the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and hope to expose new generations of residents and visitors to this important piece of American history.”

For 2025, Miss Sophie’s will continue to serve customers Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In 2026, Miss Sophie’s will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will serve a full Southern-inspired menu daily, including Miss Sophie’s popular Southern Fried Chicken. The company recently underwent a re-brand and boasts a fresh, modern logo that reflects Miss Sophie’s new focus, energy and vitality. In response to customer demand, Miss Sophie’s will offer online ordering for the first time through the Miss Sophie’s website with support from Toast Online, Uber Eats, GrubHub and DoorDash.

“I’ve enjoyed feeding people over the past 20 years, but it’s time for me to step back,” said Teri Bell, co-founder of Miss Sophie’s. “I’ve known Kay Heritage, the founder of Big Bon Bodega, for many years and am familiar with her values as well as her love of quality food. It was a perfect match. I know that leaving Miss Sophie’s in her hands is the best thing I could do for my customers and for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.”

In addition to assuming ownership of Miss Sophie’s, Big Bon Bodega has also moved its production kitchens in Savannah and Pooler to Miss Sophie’s, freeing up additional seating for customers at both locations. Having a central hub for food preparation will help Big Bon grow and expand throughout the region, meeting the needs of customers throughout the area.

Under the leadership of Founding Partner Kay Heritage and Partner/Executive Chef Shahin Afsharian, Big Bon Bodega has earned national acclaim for its small-batch, handcrafted menu items using high-quality, non-GMO ingredients as well as unbleached flour, local honey and healthy ingredients. The company’s open, inviting atmosphere and innovative culinary creativity have captivated audiences across the country, earning exposure on “Good Morning America” and in national media including Condé Nast Traveler and United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine.

To learn more about Miss Sophie’s, please visit sophiesmarketplace.com.

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