There was really not a whole lot to it, but then again, to a lot of people it was everything.
Savannah’s Thunderbolt seafood landmark Desposito’s closed quietly in 2020. It would be easy to say it was a casualty of the COVID shut down, but that isn’t exactly true.
“My mother passed away last year. With her passing, it just kind of took my ‘oomph’ away. I kind of lost my purpose out of being here.” says Walter David Boone, who was the owner of the property until it was sold recently.
Desposito’s Seafood was at the top of the list for ‘old school’ seafood restaurants in the city. There were a few, but Desposito’s and William’s Seafood on Wilmington Island were always at the top of any list once upon a time.
The menu was simple and that’s what made it unique. There was nothing fried. Nothing fancy that you couldn’t pronounce. Boiled Shrimp was the most popular item by far. Oysters (in season), crab legs, low country boil, maybe a couple of sandwiches. A hot dog here or there. Some chips and some beer.
That was it.
“It had a much larger following that just locals. Most unique individuals that you can expect to meet. They could let their hair down.” Boone says.
The walls remained adorned with framed photos of celebrities who visited over the years. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, Chris Noth, Timothy Dalton. In the 70’s, Boone says Burt Reynolds was a regular when he were in Savannah filming a movie.
The good news is Desposito’s is making a comeback. New ownership has taken over with plans to give this iconic property a quick polish, some outdoor seating and re-open this Summer.
Work has already begun to modernize the infrastructure of this nearly 100 year old building at the top of the Thunderbolt boat ramp just the other side of the Wilmington River.
You can see much more about Desposito’s and our interview with Mr. Boone and the plans for the future Saturday at 11:35pm WTOC. Or by subscribing to our Youtube Channel by clicking here.
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