The momentum on Savannah’s food scene isn’t slowing down momentum—it’s stacking wins.

Just one week after Slow Fire BBQ announced it had found a new home in the neighborhood, another concept is stepping in right next door to keep that energy rolling. Maizal, a brand-new Colombian café and event space coming to The 912 at Habersham and East 37th Street—and it’s bringing something Savannah hasn’t seen before.

Maizal will be the city’s first fully gluten-free Colombian café, and that alone makes it stand out. But once you dig a little deeper, it’s clear this isn’t just about filling a dietary niche—it’s about introducing authentic Colombian flavors in a way that feels both personal and rooted in experience.

The project comes from the team behind Big Bon Bodega, with owners Kay Heritage and Shahin Afsharian continuing to expand their footprint in general Starland section of downtown Savannah. This time, they’re elevating a concept created by Bogotá native chef Marisol Borrego, whose idea first took shape through a ghost kitchen pop-up back in 2023. Now, it’s getting a permanent home—and a much bigger stage.

The neighborhood is technically Thomas Square, the purists will make sure you know that. But the energy surrounding Savannah’s Starland District is making national headlines at times, leading anything remotely adjacent to fall into the catch-all.

Call it whatever you’d like. We are choosing to call it fantastic news for the continued evolution of our city and food scene.

Expect handmade arepas to lead the charge, along with Colombian-inspired bowls, fresh pastries, and locally roasted Colombian coffee. Everything will be gluten-free, but more importantly, everything will be built around traditional techniques and flavors. It’s the kind of place that can pull in both curious first-timers and anyone who already knows what great Colombian food should taste like.

The space will occupy the end unit, with a courtyard (on the left of the photo below) facing out at passers-by.

The timing here is what really stands out. With Slow Fire BBQ locking in space right next door, this stretch of Habersham is quickly turning into a serious food destination. Two very different concepts—one rooted in smoky, slow-cooked barbecue, the other in corn-driven Colombian cuisine—are about to sit side by side. That kind of variety is exactly what’s fueling Savannah’s rise.

This cafe will sit directly across the street from the space formerly occupied by Narobia’s Grits and Gravy, which closed a few weeks ago. That space is now available for lease.

Maizal will also double as an event space, hosting everything from weddings to corporate gatherings, which adds another layer to its appeal. It’s not just a place to grab a bite—it’s a place designed to bring people together.

The 912 was designed and built by award-winning E.H. Fortitude, in collaboration with Ward Architecture + Preservation, an award-winning architecture firm in Savannah, Ga. Judge Realty is currently offering premier commercial and residential spaces at this new three-story complex that’s perfectly positioned steps from SCAD’s Wallin Hall, Common Thread, Brochu’s, Big Bon Bodega and The Vault.

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