With the calendar flip to a new year, there have been more than a few inquiries about what is next on the horizon for Savannah’s food scene. We had a few big stories in 2021, but if everything we know about comes to fruition, 2022 will make it feel like our food scene took a year off.
I could probably rattle off 7-8 new concepts that expect to open in the next 18 months around Savannah. That’s just the ones I know about. There are always more. No room for more restaurants, you say? Yeah, well, we disagree. They are coming. Here are four areas that you will want to keep an eye on this year:
*Desposito’s Return to Thunderbolt – Desposito’s is a legendary spot on the other side of the Highway 80 bridge in Thunderbolt. We reported early in 2021 that it had been sold and would be making a comeback. The good news is the project evolved from a quick clean up to a complete overhaul. I’m told the new Desposito’s will do everything it can to capture the spirit of what that spot was, but it will be bigger, more family friendly and hopefully open by Summer. Look for the massive 6 foot tall neon sign on the roof visible every time you drive over the bridge.
*Starland Neighborhood Continues to Grow – Starland District remains Savannah’s hottest part of town. A few new projects are expected to open in that area this year. Including a new Brewery on 42nd Street behind Ardsley Station, a brand new restaurant across Bull Street from Back in the Day Bakery led by a Michelin rated chef and a brand new – currently under construction-restaurant at the corner of Bull and 39th Street in the space formerly occupied by Chazito’s 787.
*Shuk Savannah – Shuk is a Mediterranean themed spot being built at the corner of Habersham and Anderson streets in the Victorian District. The plan now is a fast-casual concept for lunch and slightly more elevated service in the evening. Work continues as we speak. We should see them Spring/Summer.
*Java Burrito Company – Java Burrito is a very popular Coffee/Cocktails/Burritos and Tacos concept from Hilton Head Island that will be opening at the corner of Broughton and Price Streets by Summer. Yes, the old 5 Spot, old Juarez Mexican Restaurant known to so many locals. JBC is a true neighborhood concept that does very well across the river. It should do well and become a draw to the sometimes forgotten Eastern end of Broughton Street.
There will be more. Including the return of Savannah’s short-lived but very popular champagne bar, Vic’s Grill will open on River Street and Poe’s Tavern. All of those projects are very much underway. Vic’s is just about done. More on them soon, too.
We could go on for a while here. Stay in the loop, sign up for our newsletter on the home page. Once a week to your inbox. No Spam. No Fillers additives or preservatives. Happy New Year!
