I think we’d all agree we’ve been victimized by the ‘black hole of time’ continuum that largely existed from 2020 until roughly 2022. The conversations go something like this:

“Yeah, that was about 4 years ago.” then your friend says “Actually that was almost 7 years ago.” At that point you either crinkle your nose to attempt jar your memory or just surrender.

That’s exactly what happened to me when Whitney Shepard, co-owner and founder of Green Truck Pub, reminded me that Savannah’s most popular burger has now been around for 15 years. I initially didn’t think it was possible, but when you give it some thought, then you realize, yup, that’s accurate.

The official anniversary isn’t until October, but you can tell just by talking to Whitney that she is not only excited but very proud.

“There was a point during 2020” she says “that we didn’t think we were going to make it.”

I caught up with Whitney earlier this Summer for our first conversation in a very long time. So much has happened in Savannah since they took a shot with a fast food shell of a building all those years ago. The building needed a lot of love in a neighborhood, quite frankly, that had begun to show some potential, but there were really no promises that it would have evolved like it has.

When Green Truck Pub came on the scene it was almost immediately all the rage across town. Grass Fed Beef from Hunter Cattle Company in Brooklet (which they still use exclusively) and the freshest and most locally sourced ingredients they could find.

It wasn’t just lip service either. It wasn’t at all uncommon-back in the day-to see Green Truck loading up as much local produce from the Forsyth Park Farmers Market as they could get into their truck. Come to find out they still do, spending almost $1,000 a week at the market to support the farmers and artisans that set up shop there.

Listening to Whitney riff about their sources for produce is almost a “Who’s Who” of regional farms. I’ve known for a long time that Green Truck was one of those restaurants that walked the walk when it came to ‘local.’ But 10 minutes into our visit and I knew that it was every bit a passion today as it was a decade and a half ago.

Whitney, who has a ‘day job’ in Urban Planning and Engineering here in Savannah, is very quick to share that she’s got a solid staff in place that understands the standard they have set. I witnessed it in the kitchen the morning I was there. Prep cooks were slicing tomatoes for the day, another had just wrapped up slicing a few boxes of peaches for a special. It is more than obvious that there is zero corner cutting in this kitchen, and everyone understands that. Fries are still cut by hand, ketchup is still made in house.

I also found the beer list on the wall to be-dare I call it-sexy? It was clear that actual beer drinkers put this rotating list together. Whitney says she has some input (she prefers IPAs) but her General Manager Morgan Cooper is largely in charge of keeping that list looking active and engaged. That matters for those of us that enjoy a well crafted brew.

Same goes for Green Truck’s wine selection. Whitney tells me there is a vision to enhance their offerings, with perhaps a focus on Women owned wineries as well as more organic wines. She’s watched her neighborhood grow up and evolve around the Pub. Having met a lot of the people that have now moved into the Thomas Square area-and Savannah in general-it’s obvious that the demand is there. Green Truck Pub is adjusting to evolve with it.

I had lunch at Green Truck back in May, my first visit in a few years, and found it to be every bit as good as it was 14-15 years ago. That consistency is, of course, the reason why you will find a line of folks waiting for them to open their doors every morning at 11:30am. It remains one of Savannah’s go-to’s for a solid lunch outside of what has become of downtown Savannah.

Once upon a time, Green Truck Pub was really the only game in town when it came to creative and forward thinking burgers. 15 years later, there are now maybe 5-7 exceptional and consistent burgers on the food scene. The fact that Green Truck Pub can still stand among them should tell everything you need to know about this Savannah classic.

There may-or may not-be any organized plans for Green Truck’s 15th Anniversary come October. There’s been no talk of parties or parades down Habersham Street. I suspect, however, if there is something it will be fairly low key, but a solid reminder that this spot isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

And if you are wondering, the actual green truck outside was running up until recently. It currently just strikes a pose out front.

Green Truck Pub
2430 Habersham Street
Savannah, GA 31401
greentruckpub.com

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