2023 Best of Savannah

SAVANNAH Celebrating the sights, sounds, scents, flavors and feel of Savannah Written by ANDREA GOTO, CAROLINE EUBANKS, COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY, KIKI DY, NATHAN DOMINITZ & RACHEL MCDERMOTT

HOW IT WORKS: The Best of Savannah winners were determined by reader votes alone. Only one ballot per person was accepted; duplicate ballots and those without a verifiable name and address were automatically disqualified.

Savannah magazine does not control how individuals campaigned. = Honorable Mention 120

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SAVANNAH Celebrating the sights, sounds, scents, flavors and feel of Savannah Written by ANDREA GOTO, CAROLINE EUBANKS, COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY, KIKI DY, NATHAN DOMINITZ & RACHEL MCDERMOTT

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

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The Family That Cooks Together Brochu’s Family Tradition BEST NEW RESTAURANT RUNNER-UP, BEST FRIED CHICKEN and BEST OYSTERS TUCKED AROUND THE CORNER from Bull Street on East 40th in the Starland District is the entrance to the oddball world of Brochu’s Family Tradition.

The restaurant, which opened in December 2022 after pandemic-related delays and much anticipation, is unlike anything else in Savannah.

On the expansive concrete patio in front of the restaurant, diners with strollers and dogs gather around picnic tables shaded with striped yellow-andwhite umbrellas. A walk-up window offers guests a casual way to order boozy slushies, “fried chicken and fancy seafood,” as the retro sign advertises.

Meanwhile, inside is a feast for the senses. Every table in the industrial, garage-like space is packed with people and mismatched plates with heaping piles of food — the whole chicken dinner, round trays of oysters, puffy bread with cheddar rillette and mouth-watering pies. Old boat motors hang as art behind the bar, while a wallpaper pattern featuring chicken legs adorns the bathroom. Just beyond the dining room, guests can get a glimpse into the kitchen. Throwback hits from pop punk bands like Green Day, Blink-182 and Bowling for Soup bring the decibel even higher and create that happy cacophony of a bustling restaurant — or a large family reunion.

As the name suggests, Brochu’s is a family-owned restaurant. “We have three married couples working together, in addition to the sister/in-law relationship.

Communication skills are a must,” says Sophie Brochu. “It’s occasionally challenging, but ultimately so rewarding. Everyone brings a different skill set to the table.”

Born and raised in Savannah, Sophie met her husband, Andrew Brochu, working in a restaurant in Chicago, Illinois. Andrew, who is Michelin-starred and a James Beard Award finalist, was content to leave

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formalities behind, return to the Southeast and open their own restaurant inspired by the casual family gatherings he grew up attending. (Fun fact: Andrew’s father worked for Red Lobster for over 40 years, and his family moved across Florida and Georgia opening new locations.)

“We took a big risk relocating this concept from Chicago to Savannah when the pandemic hit,” says Sophie. “Chefs Georgia and Dave Baker moved cross country to partner with us, and Jessica and Ben (Andrew’s sister and brother-in-law) uprooted their lives outside of Atlanta to join us. There were many moments where it felt like we would never reach the opening, and now we’re over half a year in.”

And there certainly hasn’t been a dull moment.

“It’s still a pretty tumultuous time for the restaurant industry,” adds Sophie. “Food costs are high, operating costs are high and margins are notoriously tough.

We’re trying to provide value to our guests but also operate a successful business, and this balance can be tricky. We’re never going to make everyone happy, but we do try! And the guests that love what we do make this job very rewarding.”

To keep things fresh, the menu changes with the seasons. Recently, the restaurant also launched “Sour Hour” on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m., where they play “sour” music to pair with pickle martinis and pickle wings. “Andrew spends a lot of time creating different playlists or adjusting the music depending on the energy of the room,” adds Sophie, who is also musically gifted. Locals may recognize her from her band Fauvely or from performing with Savannah supergroup Black Hat. And in July, Sophie and Andrew welcomed their first baby into the world — giving even more meaning to the family traditions they are creating. — C.M.

Photo by MICHAEL SCHALK // Styling by NIKKI KRECICKI

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH B RUNCH The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com Runner-up: The Ordinary Pub theordinarypub.com AP P E TI ZE RS Ardsley Station ardsleystation.com Runner-up: Circa 1875 circa1875.com B ARBE C U E

Sandfly Bar-B-Que sandflybbq.com Runner-up: Wiley’s Championship BBQ wileyschampionshipbbq.com B R E A KFA ST The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com Runner-up: J. Christopher's jchristophers.com/locations/ savannah

B URGER Green Truck Neighborhood Pub greentruckpub.com Runner-up: B&D Burgers bdburgers.net B USINESS LUNC H The Vault Kitchen & Market thevaultkitchen.com Runner-up: The 5 Spot 5spotrestaurant.com CAT ERER Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com Runner-up: Coastal Kitchen thecoastalkitchen.net

C H EA P EATS Kay’s Pizza facebook.com/p/kayspizza-savannah Runner-up: Sly’s Sliders and Fries slysslidersandfries.com

F I N E D I N ING 1540 Room 1540savannah.com Runner-up: Elizabeth on 37th elizabethon37th.net F O O D TRU CK Beauregard’s Chariot (BowTie BBQ) bowtiebarbecueco.com Runner-up: Chazito’s Latin Cuisine chazitos.com

C H EF Chef Collin Clemons, 1540 Room 1540savannah.com Runner-up: Kirk Blaine, Castaways and Chef Kirk Blaine Catering chefkirkblaine.com

F RES H / O R GAN IC G R O C ERY S T O R E Whole Foods Market wholefoodsmarket.com Runner-up: The Fresh Market stores.thefreshmarket.com/ga/ savannah/65

C H I N ES E Flock to the Wok flocktothewok.com Runner-up: Wang’s II FA R M BA G / BO X D EL I V ERY Local Farmbag localfarmbag.com Runner-up: Polk’s on the Go polksgo.com

F RI ED C HICK E N (T IE ) Geneva’s Chicken & Cornbread Co. eatgenevas.com

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7

WINNER 2O18

MAGAZINE

2019 WINNER

2 02 1 W I N N E R

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH Mrs Wilkes’ Dining Room mrswilkes.com Runner-up: Brochu’s Family Tradition brochusfamilytradition.com FRI E S Circa 1875 circa1875.com Runner-up: Green Truck Neighborhood Pub greentruckpub.com

ITALIAN Bella Napoli Italian Bistro bellanapolibistro.com Runner-up: (TIE) Corleone’s Trattoria corleones.com Garibaldi’s garibaldissavannah.com JAPANESE

GLU TE N-F RE E OPT IONS Fox & Fig Cafe foxandfigcafe.com Runner-up: Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com I NDI A N NaaN on Broughton naanonbroughton.com Runner-up: Pakwan Indian Cuisine pakwanus.com

Hirano’s hiranoshabersham.com facebook.com/hiranosouthside Runner-up: Ukiyo ukiyosavannah.com JUICE/SM OOTH I ES

Blend & Press Wellness Bar blendpresswellnessbar.com Runner-up: Clean Juice cleanjuice.com/locations/pooler

L ATE- N I G H T F O O D

N EW RE S TAUR AN T ( L ES S T H AN A Y E AR OL D )

Kay’s Pizza facebook.com/p/kayspizza-savannah Runner-up: Congress Street Social Club congressstreetsocialclub.com

Brochu’s Family Tradition brochusfamilytradition.com Runner-up: Shuk Mediterranean shuksavannah.com O U TD O O R D IN IN G ( N O N - WAT E R F R O N T )

M ED I TERRA N EA N

Troy Mediterranean Cuisine troymediterraneancuisine.com Runner-up: Shuk Mediterranean shuksavannah.com M EXI C A N

The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com Runner-up: Starland Yard starlandyard.com

Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com Runner-up: Jalapeño’s Mexican Grill jalapenosinc.com

O Y S TER S

Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar sorrycharlies.com Runner-up: Brochu’s Family Tradition brochusfamilytradition.com

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All Shuk Up

IT’S HARD TO SAY if this Habersham Street hotspot is better for a sun-soaked, fast-casual lunch with refreshing iced teas or a glowing golden-hour cocktail at the bar in the open-air courtyard. Inspired by Israel’s lively, open-air markets, Shuk Mediterranean owner Alexis Levin appointed Flourish Collaborative to design the stylish eatery’s branding and interiors. The result is distinct spaces for day and night connected by a stoa breezeway that represents traditional Greek architecture. The Mediterranean influences continue throughout the design — soft color palette and playful furniture shapes reminiscent of Bauhaus architecture found in Tel Aviv — and on the menu. Don’t miss the whipped feta dip with crushed pistachios and pomegranate honey or the weekend brunch. — C.M.

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A DA M KU E HL / / C OU R T E S Y F LOU R I S H COL LA BOR AT I V E

Shuk Mediterranean RUNNER-UP, BEST NEW RESTAURANT RUNNER-UP, BEST MEDITERRANEAN

thank you, savannah, for voting us best party/event planner for another consecutive year!

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH PI Z Z A

SEAFOOD

S TEA K

TH A I

Vinnie Van Go-Go’s vinnievangogo.com Runner-up: Screamin’ Mimi’s screaminmimispizza.com

Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com Runner-up: Tubby’s Seafood tubbysthunderbolt.com

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse ruthschris.com/savannah Runner-up: The Steakhouse on Whitemarsh thesteakhousewhitemarsh.com

The King & I kingandisavannah.com Runner-up: Chiriya’s Thai Cuisine chiriyasthaicuisine.com

PR O DU C E MA RKE T

SEAFOOD M ARKET

Davis Produce facebook.com/davis-produce Runner-up: Forsyth Farmers’ Market forsythfarmersmarket.com

Russo's Seafood Market Runner-up: Ambos Seafoods

S A L AD Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com Runner-up: Starland Cafe thestarlandcafe.com S A NDWI C HE S Finches Sandwiches & Sundries finchessandwiches. shopsettings.com Runner-up: Zunzi’s zunzis.com

SHRIM P AND GR I TS

Vic's on the River vicsontheriver.com Runner-up: Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com SOUT HERN

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room mrswilkes.com Runner-up: The Pirates’ House thepirateshouse.com SPECIALT Y/GOU RM ET FOOD ST ORE

Brighter Day Natural Foods brighterdayfoods.com Runner-up: Frali Gourmet fraligourmet.com

SUSHI The Vault Kitchen & Market thevaultkitchen.com Runner-up: Sushi Hana Japanese Restaurant sushihanasavannah.com TA C O S Bull Street Taco bullstreettaco.com Runner-up: Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com TA KEO U T Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com Runner-up: Zunzi’s zunzis.com

V EG ETA R I A N Fox & Fig Cafe foxandfigcafe.com Runner-up: Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com V I ETN A M ES E Saigon Bistro facebook.com/saigonbistrosavannah Runner-up: Flying Monk Noodle Bar flywiththemonk.com WATERF RO N T D INING The Wyld thewylddockbar.com Runner-up: Vic’s on the River vicsontheriver.com WINGS 520 Wings 520wings.com Runner-up: Coach’s Corner coachs.net

BEST Barber Shop in Savannah THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US!

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

C OU R T E S Y S OBR E M E S A

Linger Longer Sobremesa BEST WINE BAR SOBREMESA IS THE SPANISH WORD for that time you spend at the table well after you’ve finished eating. Your stomach may be full, but you stay seated to satisfy your craving for more conversation and to enjoy the company around the table, fully present in the fleeting moment.

While there may not be a direct translation for this sensation in English, friends Guinn McMillion and Ryan Ribeiro have created a space in Savannnah that embodies the concept.

Inspired by the duo’s travels through Spain and Portugal, Sombremesa Wine Lounge opened on Abercorn Street in 2022 and, as the name suggests, is dedicated specifically to the art of aftermeal lingering.

The vibrant space is dressed in topaz-hued velvet seats, modern

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art and plants hanging out of disco balls. Behind the bar, a shimmering gold wine rack is packed with a wide array of bottles ranging from the expected Spanish standards and French classics to the funky orange varietals and West Coast darlings. And because an ideal state of sobremesa comes after copious amounts of food, the kitchen also creates beautifully curated snack boards with an assortment of charcuterie, cheeses, olives and (the Savannah magazine staff favorite) marcona almonds dusted in lavender and powdered sugar.

Stop in any evening to sample pours, or check the calendar of social events. More often than not, there will be an educational, sommelier-led tasting, a Flamenco dance lesson or a visiting winemaker sharing stories from the vineyard — and offering a compelling reason to stay even longer. — C.M.

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH CUPCAK ES Gigi’s Cupcakes gigiscupcakesusa.com/pages /savannah-georgia Runner-up: Back in the Day Bakery backinthedaybakery.com CUST OM CAKES

BA KE RY Baker’s Pride Bakery savannahbakery.com Runner-up: Auspicious Baking Company auspiciousbakingco.com C A NDY S HOP River Street Sweets riverstreetsweets.com Runner-up: Savannah’s Candy Kitchen savannahcandy.com C H O C OLATE River Street Sweets riverstreetsweets.com Runner-up: Chocolat

by Adam Turoni chocolatat.com C O FF E E ROA STE R PERC Coffee perccoffee.com Runner-up: Savannah Coffee Roasters savannahcoffee.com C O FF E E SHOP Foxy Loxy Cafe foxyloxycafe.com Runner-up: VEL myvel.com C O O KI E S Byrd Cookie Company byrdcookiecompany.com Runner-up: Two Smart Cookies twosmartcookies.com

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Wicked Cakes of Savannah wickedcakesofsavannah.com Runner-up: Flirt with Dessert flirtwithdessert.com D OUGHNUT S Baker’s Pride Bakery savannahbakery.com Runner-up: Duck Donuts duckdonuts.com FROZ EN T REATS (OT HER T HAN I C E C R EA M ) Savannah Square Pops savannahsquarepops.com Runner-up: Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard ritasice.com/location/ritasof-savannah-ga ICE CREAM Leopold’s Ice Cream leopoldsicecream.com Runner-up: Ben & Jerry’s benjerry.com/savannah-broughtonstreet M ACARONS Marche de Macarons marchedemacarons.com Runner-up: Le Macaron French Pastries lemacaron-us.com/locations/savannah T EA Gryphon Tea Room scadgryphon.com Runner-up: The Savannah Tea Room savannahtearoom.com

Going Up Vici Rooftop HONORABLE MENTION, BEST HIDDEN GEM WHEN THE WEATHER IS JUST RIGHT, locals and visitors alike flock to Savannah’s rooftop bars for cool libations and scenic views. There is no shortage of options, thanks to the bevy of boutique hotels that dot the city’s downtown and riverfront. However, Vici Rooftop, located atop the redeveloped West Broad building, may be Savannah’s bestkept secret — for now, at least.

To find Vici, look for the black gated entrance on 411 W. Charlton St. Once upstairs, enjoy top-notch cocktails, elevated small plates and live music — without the tourist crowds. — C.M.

Thank you, Savannah, FO R A LL T H E LOV E ! !

B lamy M phy

For inquiries, please contact bellamyar t@me.com @bellamyar t bellamyar t .com |

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

Culinary Crossroads Collins Quarter BEST BREAKFAST, BEST BRUNCH, BEST OUTDOOR DINING (NON-WATERFRONT) and BEST BLOODY MARY

IT ALL STARTED IN 2014 with the flagship Collins Quarter on the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue.

Nearly a decade later, crowds still line up on weekend mornings to sit on the sidewalk under the signature teal umbrellas and chow down on plates of the Swine Time Benedict, Short Rib Hash, Avocado Smash and Bananas Foster French Toast.

Meanwhile, Australian expat and owner Anthony Debreceny expanded his restaurant empire — also known as Southern Cross Hospitality (SCH) — to include Australian-inspired elevated pub food at The Fitzroy on Drayton Street, laid-back bites at The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen on Tybee Island and a second location of Collins Quarter in Forsyth Park.

This year, SCH also added two more concepts to its repertoire: Ukiyo Izakaya & Ramen Bar in the Starland District and Doki Doki Ice Creamery located next to the original Collins Quarter.

The latest additions mark a shift to Japanese-inspired cuisine, drawing on Debreceny’s fond memories of time spent in Asia and his enduring desire to introduce new flavors in a foodie town like Savannah.

But, having a reputation as the best requires much more than a clever concept. It’s no secret that in the past year, one of the most challenging parts of operating a restaurant, let alone opening two new ones, has been keeping a dedicated staff.

“We are very lucky to have strong, capable teams at all of our locations and we strive to be a fair and rewarding company to work for,” says Elizabeth Woods, general manager of Collins Quarter. “We as a management team know Anthony is a force of nature and will never let himself, his team or his businesses fail.”

And in the age of burnout — especially in a demanding industry like hospitality that is focused on taking care of others — leadership also means knowing when to take a break and practice self-care.

“In the past year, it has been so special for us all to see Anthony be able to spend more time with his family and travel, and to assist him in continuing to open and operate such wonderful restaurants,” says Woods.

Looking ahead to 2024, SCH is cooking up its next concept on Broughton Street.

“We are always in awe of the positive and incredibly profound support we receive from this amazing community,” Woods adds. “We know there are so many other amazing small business restaurants in town to choose from, and we couldn’t be more appreciative that this town has recognized our brands as some of the best.” — C.M.

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M I CH AE L S CH AL K

Ukiyo RUNNER-UP, BEST JAPANESE

AD

BEST

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Welcome to the Saint Julian’s Drinking Table at SAVANNAH’S BEST ROOFTOP BAR. Bar Julian invites guests to experience a market driven Mediterranean menu and inspired craft cocktails, amidst the sparkling Savannah skyline.

Open Daily

201 Port Street

barjulian.com

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH LIQUOR ST ORE

W I N E BA R

C O M PA N Y T O WOR K F OR

Habersham Beverage Warehouse habersham.bottlecaps.com Runner-up: Johnnie Ganem Wine & Package Shop johnnieganem.com

Sobremesa Wine Lounge sobremesasav.com Runner-up: 208 Wine Bar 208winebar.com

United Way of the Coastal Empire uwec.org Runner-up: Gulfstream Aerospace gulfstream.com

M ARGARITA Jalapeño’s Mexican Grill jalapenosinc.com Runner-up: Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com BA RT E NDE R Charlie Wentway, Garibaldi garibaldisavannah.com Runner-up: Sam Krause, Ardsley Station ardsleystation.com BE E R LI S T World of Beer worldofbeer.com Runner-up: Crystal Beer Parlor crystalbeerparlor.com BL O ODY MA RY The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com Runner-up: (TIE) A-J’s Dockside Restaurant ajsdocksidetybee.com The Funky Bunch Café thefunkybunchcafe.com

NEW B AR (LESS TH A N A YEAR OLD )

Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos savannahsmilesdueling pianos.com Runner-up: Club One clubone-online.com PUB Six Pence Pub sixpencepub.com Runner-up: Churchill’s Gastropub & Taphouse churchillsonbay.com

Service Brewing Co. servicebrewing.com Runner-up: Two Tides Brewing Company twotidesbrewing.com

Bar Julian at the Thompson Savannah barjulian.com Runner-up: Peregrin at Perry Lane Hotel peregrinsavannah.com

H AP P Y HOU R Edgar’s Proof & Provision pandp.life Runner-up: Colleagues & Lovers colleaguesandloverssavannah.com

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W I N E S TO R E Savannah Wine Cellar savannahwinecellar.com Runner-up: Le Chai – Galerie Du Vin lechai.com

SIGNAT URE CO C KTA I L S Edgar’s Proof & Provision pandp.life Runner-up: Colleagues & Lovers colleaguesandloverssavannah.com SPORT S B AR Coach’s Corner coachs.net Runner-up: Midtown Sports Grill midtownsportsgrill.com

D ATE N I GH T Plant Riverside District plantriverside.com Runner-up: Common Thread commonthreadsavannah.com D I Y S TU D IO/ C L A S S W OR K S H O P Board & Brush Creative Studio boardandbrush.com/savannah Runner-up: Pinspiration pinspiration.com F ES TI VA L Savannah Music Festival savannahmusicfestival.org Runner-up: Savannah VOICE Festival savannahvoicefestival.com

NIGHT CLUB

ROOFT OP B AR

The Original Pinkie Masters theoriginalpinkies.com Runner-up: Ellie’s Crow Bar Lounge crowbargrill.com

Savoy Society savoysociety.com Runner-up: Common Restaurant commonrestaurant.com

Colleagues & Lovers colleaguesandloverssavannah.com Runner-up: Arco Cocktail Lounge & Coastal Fare arcolounge.com

BR EWE RY

D I V E BA R

WINE LIST

A RT G A L L ERY Laney Contemporary Fine Art laneycontemporary.com Runner-up: Kobo Gallery kobogallery.com A RTI S T Bellamy Murphy bellamyart.com Runner-up: Peter E. Roberts petereroberts.com BA N D / M U S I C I A N Turtle Folk facebook.com/turtlefolk Runner-up (TIE): Damon and the Sh*tkickers facebook.com/people/damonand-the-shitkickers Chuck Courtney chuckband.com C H A RI TY EV EN T/ F U N D R A I S ER Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Wine Women & Shoes rmhccoastalempire.org Runner-up: The Alzheimer’s Association’s Dancing Stars of Coastal Georgia alz.org/georgia

G I R L S ’ N I GH T OUT (T IE ) Arco Cocktail Lounge & Coastal Fare arcolounge.com Jazz’d Tapas Bar jazzdtapasbar.com Runner-up: Peregrin Peregrinsavannah.com G O L F C OUR S E Savannah Golf Club thesavannahgolfclub.com Runner-up: Savannah Country Club thesavannahcountryclub.com G RO U P T O V O L U N TE E R F O R United Way of the Coastal Empire uwce.org Runner-up: Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire rmhccoastalempire.org G U Y S ’ N I G H T O UT Starland Yard starlandyard.com Runner-up: McDonough’s Restaurant & Lounge mcdonoughslounge.com

A MEDICAL AESTHETICS BOUTIQUE I N J E C TA B L E S • L A S E R S • M I C R O N E E D L I N G • C H E M I C A L P E E L S FACI A L S • SK IN TIGHTENING • MICROBL A DING & M ORE

Thank you Savannah for voting us

BEST NONSURGICAL COSMETIC PROCEDURE SPECIALIST & B E S T M E D I C A L S PA ( R U N N E R - U P )

9 12 .9 4 4 . 8 7 51 • 11 5 5 0 A B E R C O R N S T. W W W.REFINEM EDA E S T HE T I C S.CO M

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

Apéro for All Late Air HONORABLE MENTION, BEST APÉRO HOUR

N I K KI K RE CI C KI

IF IT WASN’T FOR THE PALM FRONDS and Spanish moss hanging outside the windows of Late Air, you might think you’re in a new-age wine bar in Brooklyn, New York, rather than Savannah’s Starland District.

After hosting a series of well-attended pop-ups around town, owners Madeline Ott and Colin Breland opened the natural wine bar at the corner of Bull and Victory Streets in December 2022.

In short order, the rotating list of curated wines by the glass and bottle has landed the bar on Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 list of “The 50 Best Restaurants in America”— only one of five in the Southeast.

To be clear, Late Air is so much more than wine. The à la carte menu of small plates from Chef Juan Stevenson is ever-evolving. There are the usual staples of the Europeaninspired apéro hour: olives dressed in citrus and Aleppo pepper, housemade jams paired with cheese and freshly baked bread (via Stevedore Bakery) and butter.

But to fully experience Late Air is to find a cozy seat, stay for hours and indulge in several courses. Prepare to be blown away by expertly prepared dishes such as the beef tartare with herb pistou, Calabrian balsamic, bottarga and potato chips.

If any of this sounds pretentious, think again. Regardless of your wine knowledge, expect to be greeted warmly by the staff, which includes familiar faces like Ryan Landers, the artist Drew Murray, whose work also hangs throughout the minimalistic space, and photographer Jason James, who also occasionally doubles as a vinyl DJ. — C.M.

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www.Bouhan.com | One West Park Avenue Savannah, Georgia 31401 | 912.232.7000

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

A True Original The Original Pinkie Masters BEST DIVE BAR Written by CAROLINE EUBANKS

THE WHITE SIGN WITH THE ICONIC PABST BLUE RIBBON LOGO is like a beacon above the building, drawing in thirsty locals and travelers like a tractor beam. On my last visit to the now 70-year-old watering hole, it was the crisp air conditioning and a $3 beer to quench my thirst that pulled me in. My friends and I gathered in a booth beneath the yellowed disco ball, lit from the dim glow of colored Christmas lights and chatted about our weekend plans.

And I’m not alone. It’s 4 p.m. on a Friday and the bar, set in the middle of the darkened room, is completely full of out-of-towners, Savannah College of Art and Design students and the regular group of older men that hold court there, discussing politics and events of the day.

While the bar opened in 1951 as The Rainbow Grill, by 1953 it was known as Pinkie Masters — the nickname given to its larger-than-life owner Luis Chris Masterpolis, the son of Greek immigrants. Tucked between Lafayette and Madison Squares, it quickly gained a loyal following from all ranges of Savannahians.

Despite the passage of time, it feels like little has changed in terms of decor, with breweriana and photos of regulars crowding the walls, along with artwork from Georgia artist R.Land and old Jimmy Carter campaign signs. Masterpolis, who later changed his name to Masters when he started boxing, forged a friendship with then-gubernatorial candidate Carter, supporting him in his political endeavors. After Masterpolis’ death from cancer in 1977, Carter visited the bar on St. Patrick’s Day and gave an endearing speech about his friend.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the more lively days to visit Pinkie’s, when the bar opens at 7 a.m. for parade attendees to sip on beer and whiskey, and the crowd dons their finest green duds. But at any time of year you might spot celebrities in town filming various projects, including Liam Hemsworth, Kristen Stewart and Chloë Sevigny, enjoying the jukebox tunes and conversations like the locals.

But there was a time when it seemed that Pinkie’s future was uncertain. After Masterpolis’ death, the bar passed hands a number of times and by 2015 had fallen into disrepair. The then-owner stripped the bar of much of its famed memorabilia, planning to open elsewhere.

Two regulars purchased the ailing space after a great deal of work, bringing it back to its former glory. The “Original” was added to the name despite the fact that the other Pinkies never opened. More regulars came together and brought in pieces salvaged from the bar over the years, including items that had belonged to Pinkie and the beer signs stolen from the watering hole.

After 70 years, Pinkie’s has been repeatedly voted as the city’s top dive bar and will hopefully continue to be a port in the storm for all in search of ice-cold beer and boozy slushies.

Just remember to bring cash.

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Photography by RANDALL PATRICK PHOTOGRAPHY

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

Rising From the Dead The Jinx HONORABLE MENTION, BEST COMEBACK

TO SAY THE JINX WAS A SPECIAL PLACE for many Savannahians would be an understatement. Over its 17-year run, the music venue and watering hole — replete with rockabilly decor, boisterous patrons and no-nonsense bartenders — was the city’s epicenter for all things eclectic, euphoric and eccentric.

The venue catapulted local sludge metal bands — acts like Baroness, Kylesa and Black Tusk — to the national stage. It also played host to an impressive variety of entertainment, from burlesque revues to experimental Japanese punk rock bands dressed as Power Rangers.

Those who frequented The Jinx recall a caring community of locals and out-of-towners united by the shared values of authenticity and inclusivity. When Jonathan Athon, Black Tusk’s bass player, died in 2014, his friends and family gathered at the bar to mourn together — that’s how tight-knit Jinxies were.

That was until 2020 when the bar became a pandemic casualty. When they closed, they couldn’t afford rent, so the doors stay shut — taking a lot of character and memories from Congress Street with it. As owner Susanne Warnekros shares, “There is not a day that goes by for any of us that someone doesn’t bring up The Jinx and say how badly it’s missed.”

However, after a years-long search for the location and a series of starts and stops, Jinxies can rejoice. In early June, the Savannah City Council granted the long-awaited special use permit for The Jinx to reopen at their new Starland location after patrons banded together to help usher in the decision. “Over 200 letters were written on our behalf, and we had 340 signatures on the petition,” says Warnekros.

The overwhelming display of support, plus the promise of a parking plan, outweighed concerns about the proximity to residential homes and late-night operating hours.

How did she and the team know the new building at 2602 Whitaker St. was the one? Like many great things in Savannah, it was a feeling.

“We looked at buildings for what seemed like an eternity and finally found it,” Warnekros says. “It’s hard to explain, but there was just something about the new space that told us it was the one.”

The bar’s new era will include long-time Jinx bartenders Tony Beasley and Rich Krauss as partners. Warnekros also teases that locals can expect “many more familiar faces popping in to work here and there.”

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COU R T E S Y S AVA NN A H M OR N IN G N EWS

Written by KIKI DY

As for the 2024 grand opening, Jinxies can expect a music-filled month to remember — although the official date is still to be determined. “I assure you it will be an absolutely mind-blowing lineup, likely over the span of a month versus just a weekend,” Warnekros promises.

Regulars will miss the well-worn wooden floors sunken with the sweat of bands past, but the mystery of what the new era of The Jinx will bring makes this a comeback to keep your eyes on.

As Warnekros says, “Life is all about evolution; it’s only natural.

What’s to come is going to be very magical.”

S AVA N N A H

S er v i ng S av a nnah for over a decade

GOURMET CUPCAKES s av a n n a h g i g i s . c o m

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I G / F B : g i g i s c u p c a ke s s av a n n a h

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Social Networking Lauren Wolverton BEST INFLUENCER Written by RACHEL MCDERMOTT

LAUREN WOLVERTON HAS A LONG LIST of her favorite spots in Savannah saved on her phone. It’s her job to know — and to share with her followers.

As a rising influencer, Wolverton partners with local businesses to promote their goods and services via her social media, hosted parties and podcast, “Glitter Everywhere.” And there’s not much she won’t share.

From dining out to dating advice to mental health and more, Wolverton is celebrating the sparkly and messy parts of life as a 20-something.

Photography by MICHAEL SCHALK

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

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What about Savannah makes it home?

Savannah’s got big city energy. There’s a buzz here, there’s creativity here, there’s art here, there are new ideas here, but it has that small-town feel to it.

What makes a social media account stand out?

If you’re having a great day, I want to see it. If you’re a business and have a gorgeous plate of food, I want to see it. I also want to see you make a joke about a crappy review. If you’re a personality, I want to know if you dropped your coffee this morning.

What’s an influencer’s role in 2023?

I love the thought of being able to be a micro-influencer, a local influencer. I actually know the people where I’m sending my followers and my community. My followers from Instagram get to go and have an in-person experience and meet the brand that I’m recommending, and then they get to establish that connection in person. I’m hosting in-person events and that’s influencing, too. I get to introduce people to a new place they haven’t been to, which also helps the business. I’m tagging the same girls on Instagram, they’re getting to know each other in the comments, and I’m like, what if we all move from our phones and just hang out? My goal is to help in whatever way I can, and I’m advocating for local businesses I love.

Do you get nervous sharing your truest self on your podcast?

“Glitter Everywhere” is about life in your 20s. Like glitter, it’s messy and fun. After I record, there are times I think, Is that too much? I get messages saying, “I was in my car listening to this and I just had the same thought this morning.” I think that my purpose with the podcast is to either make people laugh or bring them a little bit of joy, make them feel like they’re not alone and relate to them. We’re all feeling the same thing.

What’s in the planner next?

I’ll be on the red carpet for SCAD Savannah Film Festival asking celebrities for insights into their life. I’m really into giving people something new, interesting and quirky to do in Savannah, so many more pop-up style parties — with birthday party themes of my dreams — to come.

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T h a n k y o u , S a va n n a h , f o r voting us Best New Business!

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In a Jam

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K VO GTN ER / CO UR TES Y ZAC

TURTLE FOLK IS A FAMILY. From a basement to playing festivals in the Southeast, the band’s shows include lots of rock, lots of jam, lots of improv and a few surprises. Twenty years after the group started jamming in the summer of 2003, the band continues to add new originals and covers to their setlist. Influences range from Black Sabbath to Widespread Panic to the Beastie Boys, but Turtle Folk likes to keep audiences on their toes by throwing in a noodle or deep cut.

Members include Michael “Turtle” McCormick on vocals, Jamie Shanks on vocals and guitar, Joe Pelliccione on guitar, Zack Vogtner on bass, Sean Pelliccione on drums and James Gartside on percussion.

Split between Atlanta and Savannah, gigs are also a time when the band gets together to catch up and for their ritual of writing a setlist. Being on stage is a joy to experience together and an opportunity to express themselves through music. They would probably play if nobody came, but it’s a lot more fun when people do, and the band feels humbled by it.

The musicians’ significant others are supportive and out in the crowd with the next generation of Turtle Folk, their kids, who are getting older and into music. Mark the calendars for a show on Sept. 22 at the Daufuskie Festival and Oct. 27 for a post-Widespread Panic show at The Wormhole. New music is on the horizon, with rumors of an album on the way soon. — R.D.

TUR TLE FOL K

Turtle Folk BEST BAND

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

The Beat Goes On FOR THOSE WHOSE CONCEPT OF A MUSIC FESTIVAL is derived from Coachella, Lollapalooza or Bonnaroo, then the Savannah Music Festival (SMF) may come as a shock to the system — in a good way.

First, there are no overnight campsites, portable restrooms, mile-long lines at the bar or standing in the summer heat from noon to night. The choose-your-own-adventure schedule is as much of a celebration of Savannah’s various arts venues as it is a smorgasbord of musical genres. Of the nearly 100 live performances spread across 17 days, guests can choose from air-conditioned classical concerts held at the Trustees Theater or the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, or open-air shows with soulful blues musicians in the gardens at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum or Kehoe Iron Works.

Combine SMF’s something-for-everyone approach and the post-pandemic rebound of crowds, and it’s no surprise that the 2023 SMF brought in record box office sales, with more than 24,000 patrons attending the festival from across the U.S. and 14 countries around the world.

In 2023, the SMF launched its Explorer Pass, offering free admission to SMF concerts to more than 400 SavannahChatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) students and family members. The program builds upon SMF’s existing year-round efforts to connect the community through music with initiatives like the SMF Jazz Academy — free, after-school music lessons for SCCPSS students in grades 5 through 12.

Mark your calendar now for the 35th annual festival, happening March 28 through April 13, 2024. Find updates on the lineup, purchase tickets and learn about ways to volunteer at savannahmusicfestival.org. — C.M.

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C OU R T ES Y S AVA N N AH MU S I C F E S T IVA L

Savannah Music Festival BEST FESTIVAL

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

Like Fine Wine Keitaro Harada HONORABLE MENTION, BEST CONDUCTOR Written by RACHEL MCDERMOTT

MUSIC AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of the Savannah Philharmonic Keitaro Harada describes a conductor like wine.

“Wine can either age to become world-class quality or runs the risk of going to waste if not cultivated correctly,” he says. “I do my best to be honest with myself and to make sure I hone my craft each day.”

Since joining the SavPhil in 2020, Harada has reinvigorated conversations and gatherings surrounding live music in Savannah through free public performances and collaborations. Under his leadership, the SavPhil’s year-round music education programs offer everything from a free concert for nearly 10,000 fifth graders at the Johnny Mercer Theatre to providing free instruments and violin instruction to students to a music lecture series in partnership with Senior Citizens, Inc. In April 2023, the SavPhil renewed his contract through the 2026-2027 season, ensuring the world-class music will play on.

Here, he shares a peek behind the curtain.

Where would you tell people to start if they’ve never listened to classical music before?

A great place to start is on YouTube. You can watch countless orchestra concerts and find music that resonates. A really good one to listen to is Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez. Attend one of the free concerts like Phil the Park on Oct. 7 at Forsyth Park. If you enjoy it, perhaps plan to attend a concert at Lucas Theatre. Open your mind and see where it leads you.

If the music impacts the community, how does the community impact the music?

From listening and through collaborations and partnerships with organizations throughout Savannah and the Southeast, we strive to bring music to every neighborhood across the region. Whether classical, rock, pop, rap, jazz or soul, people generally enjoy music for the sake of music. Our mission is to be innovative in what we program and build community through the common language of music.

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F R A NK F OR T U NE

As a young conductor, do you experience the works differently than a conductor in another generation might?

The more knowledge one has about art, history, life, culture and language, the broader the depth of interpretation will be. I conduct Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony differently today than when I was in my 20s, and I will conduct it differently when I’m in my 40s. The more life experience I have, the more I understand the muse and spirit of the composer.

What are you most excited about in the upcoming season?

Our 15th Anniversary Season is truly a season of celebrations.

We’ll be presenting world-class guest artists throughout — sharing everything from “Holiday Stories of Savannah” this December to The Beatles in January and wrapping the season with Gershwin’s beloved “Rhapsody In Blue.”

My Heartfelt Thanks I’m so grateful to Savannah for selecting BEETTAN as THE BEST! This community is incredibly special to me, and achieving what I have been able to do with BEETTAN wouldn’t have been possible without your support.

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

Home Run Savannah Bananas HONORABLE MENTION, BEST DANCE MOVES AND BEST NEW NONPROFIT Written by NATHAN DOMINITZ

THE SAVANNAH BANANAS have gotten serious in 2023.

In February, the team went all-in on Banana Ball, their original, unorthodox and zany version of the game with rules to speed up play and create more action and drama within a two-hour time limit.

The stated goal is to “make baseball fun,” entertaining and interacting with fans through music, dancing, promotions and hijinks from when they arrive and throughout the game to hanging afterward for autographs and, yes, more dancing.

The Bananas originated as a collegiate summer league team in 2016, and after three championships (2016, 2021, 2022), the amateur franchise left the Coastal Plain League (CPL) and turned its focus to its professional spinoff.

The Banana Ball exhibitions of recent years became a full-fledged “World Tour” this year, with games scheduled for 33 cities in 21 states, including 31 “shows” where it all started at Savannah’s Grayson Stadium.

From a business standpoint, it makes sense. While playing away games in the CPL, which follows the traditional rules of baseball, the Bananas were limited in how much of their choreographed shows they could bring on the road — much to the disappointment of nationwide fans who were unable to get their hands on the tickets to home games. So, in keeping with their mission of “Fans First.

Entertain Always,” they eliminated this friction point, just as they had earlier dropped in-game advertisements and convenience charges.

Today, the Bananas have never been hotter in ticket and merchandise sales. They boast a fanatical following through their viral videos and posts on social media (i.e., 7 million-plus followers on TikTok). National media descended on Savannah to (try to) explain a phenomenon, with ESPN streaming a documentary series. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum even unveiled a Savannah Bananas Bobblehead.

The team has come a long, long way from its lukewarm debut in 2016, when the franchise sold only two tickets in its first three months of existence. To launch the team, co-owners Emily and Jesse Cole put

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everything on the line — they went $1.8 million in debt and sold their house. Back then, some may have called the Coles’ vision to reinvent baseball an impossible mission.

Now, with that mission complete, the Coles are taking on a new challenge.

In June 2023, the franchise announced Bananas Foster: a nonprofit organization celebrating the children, families, social workers and others in the foster care community while educating and hoping to inspire people to get involved through volunteering time; donating goods, services and funding; and possibly becoming foster families.

“We have a waitlist of 800,000 people who are trying to get tickets to one of our sold-out shows this year,” Emily Cole wrote on Facebook on July 18. “Why can’t we create a waitlist of foster families so when a kid comes into care, they’re matched with the right home?!”

More than advocates, the Coles became a licensed foster care family in late 2020, after the birth of their son Maverick in May 2018. Two young girls, identified here as K and A, were placed with them in January and October 2021.

There were more than 390,000 children in foster care in the United States, including about 10,500 in Georgia in 2021, the most recent year data is available, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

“As it stands right now, there are so few foster families that not every child and teen who enters into care has a home to go to,” says Jolie Chabala, Bananas Foster program coordinator. “If we had a waitlist of families, then these children who go into care would have a home, have a bed, have a place to go to, but it would also be the right place for them to go to.”

Foster families have been celebrated individually at nearly every Bananas game across the country this year with behind-the-scenes tours and player meetings, care baskets and standing ovations when their stories are told. Stories like an Indianapolis woman who works at a children’s hospital in the mental health ward. She has welcomed more than 30 children into her home since becoming a single foster mom at age 22. She’s 28 now with six children in her care from ages 1 to 16.

From a Bananas standpoint, the program makes sense. The point of baseball is to get home.

For more information on Bananas Foster, including links to eight local and national educational partners, go to bananasfoster.org.

Savannah’s Original Authentic British Pub! IN THE HEART OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT!

SIX E C N PE B PU

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Best Pub

Open Sunday-Thursday 11a.m.-11p.m.

Friday and Saturday until Midnight Full menu Served until Midnight • Happy Hour, 5-7p.m.

912.233.3156 245 Bull Street (Across from The DeSoto Hotel)

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

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Good Vibrations Jon Bonus Recording Studio Manager at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District HONORABLE MENTION, BEST PLAYLIST Written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY

Photography by JASON B. JAMES

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

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RECORD PRODUCER JON BONUS has collaborated with top-charting artists like Justin Bieber, Post Malone and Ed Sheeran. He once even landed a song placement in the final episode of the hit television show “The Office.”

Then, he got an offer from hotelier Richard Kessler to help bring to life Kessler’s vision for District Live Studios — a recording studio within the state-of-the-art live music venue at Plant Riverside District. At the end of 2022, Bonus made the move to Savannah and got to work.

The first order of business? “Adding the finishing touches on the room with some of my gear and additions to maximize the creative vibes,” he says. Since then, Bonus has welcomed artists including Grace Potter, Corey Smith, Kidd G and more into the booth for recording sessions.

Here, he shares what he is listening to now and how he spends his time outside the studio.

How did you get your start in the music industry?

I have been playing the piano since I was 4 years old and have always been involved in music performance and composition for my entire life. In college, I interned at a venue in Atlanta called Center Stage, but my first official start was when I interned at Sony Music. After graduating, I took a position as an Artist Development Representative at EMI Music (now Universal).

You and your family recently relocated from Atlanta.

How are you adjusting?

After almost six months apart (except for weekends), my wife Brittany and daughter Summer have finally joined me in Savannah, and the town couldn’t be more welcoming.

I’d like to give a big thanks to Dr. Greg Kolovich and his wife Martina Kolovich for allowing me to stay with them while making this transition. Greg was my college roommate at Georgia Tech and has been an orthopedic surgeon with Optim Orthopedics in Savannah for several years now. Martina is a nurse and owner of Refine Savannah here in town. They are both big parts of the community and I can’t thank them enough. They are a big reason we were able to make this move work!

What’s the best part about your job?

Creating music — making something physical out of essentially thin air that helps an artist express a truth or feeling or gives a listener something physical to connect them to what they are going through in their life. Part of the addictiveness of this creative process is the unending puzzle of combining different vocals, sounds, genres, eras, words and rhythms of making a song or piece of music that can really connect with all of us.

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How does District Live Studios compare to other places where you’ve worked?

District Live Studios is a truly unique studio. It’s located in an entertainment district located in the heart of a Southern city with super traditional roots while also operating as part of a luxury hotel (JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District/Kessler Collection) and a Live Nation-affiliated venue (District Live). Add to that an owner like Mr. Kessler, who is committed to the art and music culture of Savannah, and you definitely have a one-of-a-kind studio space for all creatives.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Most people are genuinely surprised that I got my master’s degree in international affairs from Georgia Tech. I never had a job that used my degree as I jumped straight into music.

Second, would be my in-studio TV viewing choice while working solo. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I have HGTV on as background noise. I love a good reno!

How do you spend time when you’re not in the studio?

I love spending time with my family. My daughter just turned 6, and her mind is just opening up to the world. Everything is incredible to her at this stage in life. Watching her unlock reading, dancing and singing — I think all parents find so much joy in this. Aside from family time, I like playing basketball, baseball — almost any sport with a ball —and traveling. I don’t mind airports and planes, and I enjoy getting out of town and coming back refreshed.

Which artists top your personal playlists?

I’ve got no shame — lots of pop. Literally reading off of my current Spotify: Tori Kelly, Justin Bieber, Drake, Morgan Wallen, SZA, Post Malone, Ariana Grande, The Chainsmokers, John Mayer, Arizona and John Summit.

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

The Corner Store AT THE INTERSECTION OF JONES AND BULL STREETS — two of the most scenic in Savannah’s historic district — is Jones & Bull, an aptly named home decor and furniture store, circa 2022.

Albeit a new business, the shop was a long-time coming for owners Robin and Andy Napoli. The couple, who met and married in Savannah over three decades ago, first purchased the retail space below their Jones Street home in 2014. They collected their inventory — found vintage and antique pieces — and dreamed for years before finally opening their doors.

Today, Jones & Bull is a true family affair. Their daughter Katie Napoli is an artist, with her own wallpaper print on display. She is a familiar face, along with her husband, two children and Robin’s siblings, who also live in the area. And lucky shoppers may also be greeted by Murphy, the Napolis’ dog — and perhaps their most treasured find yet. — C.M.

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M I CH AE L S CH AL K

Jones & Bull BEST NEW BUSINESS (TIE)

Helping prepare your children for a bright future, and having fun along the way!

Thank you for voting for us, Savannah!

912.692.1523 | thesanctuarychildlearningcenter.com

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH H I S TORI C SI TE / AT T RA C TI ON Wormsloe Historic Site gastateparks.org/wormsloe Runner-up: Bonaventure Cemetery savannahga.gov/498/city-cemeteries I N F LU E NC E R Lauren Wolverton instagram.com/lauren_wolverton Runner-up: Niki Blackwell nikiblackwell.com L I V E MU SI C Victory North victorynorthconcerts.com Runner-up: Coach’s Corner SoundGarden coachs.net

BI KES & B IK E R E PAIR

M USEUM Telfair Museums telfair.org Runner-up (TIE): Andrew Low House andrewlowhouse.com Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum shipsofthesea.org RAD IO STAT ION WRHQ 105.3 FM Quality Rock wrhq.com Runner-up: WAEV 97.3 KISSFM 973kissfm.iheart.com

T HEAT ER COM PA N Y The Historic Savannah Theatre savannahtheatre.com Runner-up: Savannah Children’s Theatre savannahchildrenstheatre.org

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A F F O RD A BL E FA S H I O N Red Clover Boutique shopredclover.com Runner-up: Morgan Rae Boutique morganraeboutique.com A N TI Q U E F U RN I TU RE Picker Joe’s Antique Mall & Vintage Market pickerjoes.com Runner-up: Jere’s Antiques jeresantiques.com A N TI Q U ES & C O L L EC TI BL ES Picker Joe’s Antique Mall & Vintage Market pickerjoes.com Runner-up: Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques tapleysmercantile.com

Quality Bike Shop qualitybikeshop.com Runner-up: Star Bike Shop starbikesavannah.com BR I D A L / F OR MAL WE AR Ivory & Beau ivoryandbeau.com Runner-up: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection whitemagnoliabridal.com C A RS ( N E W) Southern Motors Group southern-motors.com Runner-up: Critz Auto Group critz.com C A RS ( U S E D ) Southern Motors Group southern-motors.com Runner-up: Grainger graingernissan.com graingerhonda.com

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VETERINARIAN SPECIALIST

(F OR ME R LY COA S TA L E M P IR E V E T E R IN A RY SURGE RY )

335 Stephenson Ave. | 912.354.6681 bluepearlvet.com/hospital/savannah-ga info.savannah@bluepearlvet.com

PA U L M . S H E A LY D VM , M S , D A C V S

Thank you, Savannah!

B E S T C AT ER ER BEST SEAFOOD B E S T TA K E O U T & runner up BEST SHRIMP & GRITS

3209 E. V ictor y Drive in Thunderbolt We d n e s d a y – S a t u r d a y 1 1 a m – 9 p m 912.544.5544 E r i c a d a v i s l o w c o u n t r y. c o m

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

Keeping Shop Provisions BEST NEW BUSINESS (TIE) NATURAL WINES, craft sodas, trendy tinned fish, and cult-favorite olive oils have become ubiquitous online but were missing from retailers in Savannah — until Nikki Krecicki’s Provisions debuted on the corner of Whitaker and Liberty Streets last fall.

A Savannah College of Art and Design graduate and an accomplished photographer, Krecicki was living in New York when she first started Provisions as a pop-up series that combined her interests in prop styling, connecting people and enjoying good food with friends.

Lucky for Savannah, she brought her talents back to the Hostess City to debut the beautiful, brick-and-mortar iteration of Provisions.

More than a shop, Provisions is a place to meet and mingle with neighbors and friends. Krecicki quickly transforms the long wooden table — typically covered in woven baskets of fresh produce and other goodies — into a dining table for cookbook supper clubs and art classes.

Or, she’ll move the table altogether to roll out yoga mats and host a wellness workshop.

And the shop is indeed full of friends — both in person and on the shelves. Much of the housewares, farm-fresh products and artful merchandise come from fellow Savannahians and SCAD grads.

Follow along on Instagram @provisions.sav to see what Krecicki has in store next. — C.M.

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I A M H U M B L E D A N D H O N O R E D B Y Y O U R V OT E S S AVA N N A H , T H A N K Y O U !

STAYC E @ STAYC E KO EG L E R . C O M

|

W W W. STAYC E KO EG L E R . C O M

WE LOVE BEING YOUR LOCAL COFFEE ROASTER! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR VOTES!

Business Hours: Monday - Saturday 7am-5pm Sunday 7am - 4pm

912.352.2994 Savannahcoffee.com 215 W Liberty St. Savannah, GA 31401

B O O K YO U R N E X T E V E N T

91 2.35 4.81 87

2019 RUNNER-UP

202 1 W I N N E R

Start Boating…Without Owning CA L L A B O U T O U R FA L L S P EC I A L N E W B OATS A D D E D J O I N TO DAY

91 2 .35 4. 2684

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH C BD P RODU C TS

FINE JEWELRY

J EW EL RY D ES I G N ER

N EW BU S I NE S S (T IE )

Mary Jane’s CBD mjcbd.com Runner-up: Avni Farms Dispensary avnifarmsdispensary.com

Levy Jewelers levyjewelers.com Runner-up: Harkleroad Diamonds & Fine Jewelry harkleroaddiamonds.com

Jones & Bull jonesandbull.com

C L O THI NG DE S I GNER

GIFT S AND D ÉC O R

Emily McCarthy, Emily McCarthy & Co. emilymccarthy.com Runner-up: Emily Bargeron, with Mamie Ruth, East + Up and Starland Strange & Bazaar mamieruth.com eastandupvintage.com starlandstrangeandbazaar.com

Polka Dots Gifts and Accessories polkadotssavannah.com Runner-up: One Fish Two Fish onefishstore.com

Mary Liz Craft, M. Liz Jewelry Studios & Boutique mlizdesigns.com Runner-up (TIE): Andrew “Chad” Hamilton Crawford, 13 Secrets Jewelry Gallery 13secret.com Lisa Zipperer, Lisa Zipperer Designs lisazippererdesigns.com M A D E- I N - S AVA N N A H PR O D U C T

Globe Shoe Company facebook.com/ globeshoecompany Runner-up: Copper Penny Shooz copperpennysavannah.com

Cheese Straws, Savannah Cheese Straw Company thesavannahcheesestraw company.com Runner-up: Honey, Savannah Bee Company savannahbee.com

HAND B AGS Satchel shopsatchel.com Runner-up: Garland Bags garlandbags.com

C O N S I GNME NT CLOT HING Designer’s Consignment facebook.com/ designersconsignmentsav Runner-up: Avalon Exchange avalonexchange.com/savannah

M EN ’ S C L O TH I N G

IND EPEND ENT B OOK ST ORE E. Shaver, Bookseller eshaverbooks.com Runner-up: The Book Lady Bookstore thebookladybookstore.com

J. Parker Ltd. jparkerltd.com Runner-up: John B. Rourke Gentlemen’s Clothiers johnbrourke.com

Provisions provisions-sav.com Runner-up: Savannah Nutrition facebook.com/p/savannah-nutrition S H O ES

S PO RTS / O U T D OO R WE AR al -Moon ut tters halfmoonoutfitters.com Runner-up: Rivers and Glen Trading Co. riversandglen.com/pages/rivers-glensavannah-ga

J O H N DAV I S florist

Thank you Savannah for your continued support! consecutive years voted BEST FLORIST.

14

912.233.6077 • 2430 abercorn street • johndavisflorist@gmail.com • johndavisflorist.com 176

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BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES START HERE

PALMS • TREES • TROPICALS • SHRUBS • ANNUALS PERENNIALS • FOUNTAINS • STATUARY • POTTERY • DECOR

THANK YOU, SAVANNAH for naming us

BEST NURSERY / GARDEN CENTER!

Herb Creek Sandfly | 7402 Skidaway Rd. | 912.691.0108 • Herb Creek Thunderbolt | 3005 E. Victory Dr. | 912.356.1575

herbcreek.com

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH VI NTA GE C LOT HING East and Up Vintage eastandupvintage.com Runner-up: House of Strut houseofstrut.com WOME N’S C LOT HING Morgan Rae Boutique morganraeboutique.com Runner-up: J Paige shopjpaige.com

AUD IO/VID EO / L I G H TI N G PROD UCT ION

C ERTI F I ED PU BL I C A C C O U N TA N T

Stage Front Presentation Systems sfps.net Runner-up: Advanced A/V Rentals advancedav.rentals

Coomer, Coomer & Routhier coomercpa.biz Runner-up: Dabbs, Hickman, Hill and Cannon dhhccpa.com

AUT O REPAIR

C O M M U N I TY BA N K/ F I N A N C I A L I N S TI TU TI O N

Autobahn Service Center Inc. autobahnsavannah.com Runner-up: Victory Car Care facebook.com/savannahcarcarevictory B OAT D ETAIL I N G A N D M AINT ENANCE ( TI E)

A D A GE NC Y Joselove-Filson joselovefilson.com Runner-up: RobMark Web • Advertising • PR robmark.com

Hogan’s Marina hogansmarina.com Thunderbolt Marina Inc. thunderboltmarine.com Runner-up: Waterline Up

BankSouth banksouth.com Runner-up (TIE): First Chatham Bank firstchatham.com South State Bank southstatebank.com C O N VEN I EN C E S TO R E Parker’s parkerskitchen.com Runner-up: Chu’s chusmart.com

D EEJ AY All About You Entertainment allaboutyoudjs.com Runner-up: Will Smith, W. Smith Music wsmithmusic.com D RY C L EA N E R Curry Dry Cleaners currydrycleaners.com Runner-up: David’s Dry Cleaner (now part of Five Star Cleaners) EV EN T REN TAL S Ranco Event Rentals rancotents.com Runner-up: EventWorks Rentals eventworksrentals.com

THANK YOU, SAVANNAH! 800-736-9242 | STAGEFRONT.NET 178

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Voted Best Audio/Video/Lighting Production Since 2011

Photography: Shutter Speed Digital Images

savannahstation.com theresa@savannahstation.com Photography: Dreamweaver Photos

601 Cohen Street Savannah, GA 31401 912.233.5400

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

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Building Futures Wendy Wallace Lighthouse Financial Group, LLC BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER

WH I TN E Y COL L I NS

Written by ANDREA GOTO

WENDY WALLACE WAS LIVING ON TYBEE ISLAND and working remotely as a recruiter for DeVry University when her mother suddenly suffered a stroke. She passed away 10 days later, leaving behind a heartbroken husband and family. As Wallace helped her father begin the overwhelming process of sorting through their finances, she discovered a costly mess in the form of bad investments and poorly handled insurance policies that her parents weren’t even aware of.

“It was like investigative research,” Wallace says of the months it took her to get their finances in order. That’s when the mother of two grown children decided to pivot, launching her own financial planning firm.

“I wanted to work with and help people that were retired to make sure that nothing like what happened to my parents ever happened to them,” she says.

Two decades later, Wallace has a successful business that’s primarily driven by referrals, reflecting the meaningful relationships she develops with her clients. “It’s important to care and listen to what the client wants, and, unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of advisors who do that,” she says. Because, as Wallace points out, financial planning actually goes beyond how much money one needs to retire. “It depends if they’re single or married, what their health status is, what they like to do,” she says. “We build a plan around those things for their future and also a plan for when they pass.”

Wallace notes the importance of being honest and straightforward so her clients can actually understand and have a good feeling about the plan they put together. And while these conversations can be difficult, they’re often followed by a huge sense of relief. “The best part is when I meet with them, and I let them know exactly when they can retire and not run out of money because I’ve built a financial plan for them.”

Wallace recommends that anyone within 5 to 10 years of retirement should meet with a financial planner, though her older clients are beginning to send their children and grandchildren her way. “When I started this business years ago, it was with a different generation that were savers,” she says. For those who are, it’s still a good idea to make sure your money is working for you. And for those who aren’t “savers,” well, it might be time to make a plan with someone who can understand.

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH F I N A NC I A L P LA NN ER Wendy J. Wallace, Lighthouse Financial Group lifigroup.com Runner-up: Jason Ford, Wells Fargo Advisors fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/oxnardford-financial-group/meetteam.htm F L I GHT SC HOOL Savannah Aviation savannahaviation.com Runner-up: FlightSafety International flightsafety.com/locations/savannahlearning-center F L ORI S T John Davis Florist johndavisflorist.com Runner-up: Garden on the Square gardenonthesquare.com

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GRAPHIC D ESIGNER/ D ESIGN FIRM Joselove-Filson Advertising joselovefilson.com Runner-up: RobMark Web • Advertising • PR robmark.com INSURANCE COM PA N Y / AGENCY (AUT O, LIFE, ET C.) State Farm statefarm.com/agent/us/ga/ savannah Runner-up: Morris & Templeton Insurance Agency morristempleton.com IT SUPPORT /SERVI C ES Speros speros.com Runner-up: Symphona symphona.us

L AW F I RM *

PA RTY / EV EN T P L ANNE R

Bouhan Falligant bouhan.com Runner-up: Hunter Maclean huntermaclean.com

Tara Skinner Weddings and Events taraskinnerevents.com Runner-up: Ivory & Beau ivoryandbeau.com

L AW Y ER* Todd M. Baiad, Bouhan Falligant bouhan.com Runner-up: Danny Falligant, Bouhan Falligant bouhan.com MARINA TPG Isle of Hope Marina iohmarina.com Runner-up: Hogan’s Marina hogansmarina.com

PH O TO G RA PH E R Stayce Koegler Photography staycekoegler.com Runner-up: Christine Hall Photography christinehallphotography.com PU BL I C REL AT IONS F IR M Abshire Public Relations abshirepr.com Runner-up: Lesley Francis PR lesleyfrancispr.com

*Savannah magazine’s lawyer and law firm listings are not affiliated with or endorsed by BL Rankings, LLC, dba Best Lawyers, owner of the BEST LAWYERS and BEST LAW FIRMS marks for the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world available at https://www.bestlawyers.com/

Like a Good Neighbor

VERNON

DONOVAN

912.356.0215 | Insuresavannah.com | #TeamDonovan

FIRST CLASS FREE Thank you Savannah for voting us

B E ST B A R R E ST U D I O 5521 Abercorn St., Ste. 500 912.665.1129 savannah@purebarre.com

10 Whitaker St. 912.677.9316 citymarket@purebarre.com

THANKS FOR VOTING US

SAVANNAH’S BEST R A DIO STATION!

wrhq.com

Thank You!

Thank you Savannah Magazine readers for voting Critz “Best New Car Dealership”!

A b e rc o r n at St e p h e nso n (912) 354 -7000 · Critz.com

Follow us: Critz Auto Group

CRI1936

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH S EA MSTRE S S

T RAVEL AGENCY

Curry Dry Cleaners currydrycleaners.com Runner-up: Stitch Savannah stitch-savannah-llc.square.site

Four Seasons Travel fourseasonstrvl.com Runner-up: Edgewood Travel edgewoodtravel.com

S PE C I A L E VE NT FACILIT Y Savannah Station savannahstation.com Runner-up: Kehoe Iron Works trusteesgarden.com/rentals/ kehoeironworks.html T O W I NG C OMPA NY Sapp’s Wrecker Service sappswreckerservice.com Runner-up: Gordon’s Wrecker Services facebook.com/p/gordonswrecker-service

BO D Y BRO N Z ING A N D TA N N I N G BEETTAN beettan.com Runner-up: Body Bronzing by Becca savannahspraytan.com

VID EOGRAPHER Mary Clare Kolbush Films maryclarekolbush.com Runner-up: Jeff Koegler, KOE Creative Media facebook.com/koecreativemedia W EB /SOFT WARE D EVELOPER RobMark Web • Advertising • PR robmark.com Runner-up: Lesley Francis PR lesleyfrancispr.com

D AY S PA A C U PU N C TU RI S T Savannah Community Acupuncture savannahacupuncture.org Runner-up: Bauer Coslick, Vitality Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine vitalitysavannah.com BA RBER S H O P AV8 Barbers av8barbers.com Runner-up: Bell Barber Co. bellbarberco.com

Spa Bleu spableu-sav.com Runner-up: Savannah Day Spa savannahdayspa.com ES TH ETI C I A N Kathryn Taylor Day e ne Savannah refinesavannah.com Runner-up: Morgan Carpenter, Sage Skin and Beauty sageskinandbeauty.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST PHARMACY

1 S K I D AWAY V I L L A G E WA L K S AVA N N A H , G A 314 11 | 912 . 5 9 8 . 8 6 6 9 | V I L L A G E WA L K P H A R M A C Y. C O M 186

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Erica TimmonsAGENT YOURHerndon “GOOD NEIGHBOR”

Erica Herndon Timmons 3228 Skidaway Road • Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912.354.6464 Fax: 912.352.7266 myneighborerica.com

2200 22 - URP 2 1R W RE U NIN NEN

Thank you, Savannah,

for voting us Best Museum!

TOURS

Monday – Saturday 10 to 4 | Sunday 12 to 4 Ask about our event rentals and specialized tour rates 329 ABERCORN STREET AT LAFAYETTE SQUARE | SAVANNAH

andrewlowhouse.com | 912.233.6854

Proudly serving our our community community for for 12 11 years Proud ly serving years Dr. Mulvey with his wife Lauren, & sons Tripp & Eli

912.447.8711 2014 E. V I CTORY DRI V E

e. shaver, bookseller PURVEYORS OF THE WRITTEN WORD SINCE 1975

326BULL BULLSTREET STREET ••912.234.7257 326 912.234.7257 1921 BULL ESHAVERBOOKS.COM STREET inside the Gingerbread House ESHAVERBOOKS.COM

Thank , Savannah!

301B W. Broughton St., Upstairs | 912.658.4259 morganraeboutique.com | shopmorganrae

7

W I N N E R 2 O7 1 8

M A GA ZIN E

2019 WINNER

2 02 1 W I N N E R 2 02 1 W 20 2 2NW E IRN N E R IN

202 2 W I N N E R

YOU GOT YOUR DANCING SHOES ON? ‘CAUSE YOU’RE GONNA NEED ‘EM.

BEST OF SAVANNAH WINNER

BEST DJ

1 0 P R O F E SS I O N A L DJ S • L I G H T I N G • P H OTO B O OT H S

9 1 2 - 8 9 7- 0 5 1 8 | A l l A b o u t Yo u DJ s .c o m

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

A Southern Staple Todd Baiad Partner, Bouhan Falligant BEST LAWYER*

“I CAN VIVIDLY RECALL getting into a discussion with my second grade teacher, and she said, ‘You’d be a really good lawyer,’” Todd Baiad says, recalling his earliest attorney inklings. His uncle, also a lawyer, influenced him as well, and it quickly became the track Baiad would steadfastly follow. And while he may have known his career path from a young age, it’s likely the kid from Connecticut didn’t know he’d end up a Southern staple.

Baiad first headed south for college, becoming what many Southerners seemingly aim to be: a University of Georgia Bulldog. Maybe that’s when he started to feel Southern roots taking hold, or maybe it was when he studied at Emory University School of Law. But, certainly, by the time he came to Savannah to work for Bouhan Falligant for the summer, just to see if it was a good fit, something clicked — or maybe bloomed?

“I absolutely fell in love with the city and with the firm, and I knew there was nowhere else I wanted to practice,” he says. It would also become the place where he and his wife, Savannah native and Georgia State Representative Anne Allen Westbrook, would start their family and stay to raise their three sons.

In his 23 years with Bouhan Falligant, Baiad has received many awards and has worked a number of intriguing cases, though he’s particularly honored to have served as counsel to the Democratic National Committee and President Joe Biden in an election contest case in the Southern District of Georgia. “It was kind of the intersection between politics and law, and it was fascinating to be a part of that,” he says.

While Baiad is humbled to have experiences like these, it’s pretty clear why he’s earned them.

“The most important thing is when you say you’re going to do something, you do it, and making sure when you make a statement to a court that it is factually accurate,” he says. “Because, as a lawyer, the most important thing you have is your reputation.”

He also enjoys the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. “Making sure that your client ends up being successful and watching your client be successful, to me, is incredibly gratifying and rewarding.”

Spoken like a true Southerner.

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C OU R T ES Y B OU HA N FA LL I G AN T

Written by ANDREA GOTO

*Savannah magazine’s lawyer and law firm listings are not affiliated with or endorsed by BL Rankings, LLC, dba Best Lawyers, owner of the BEST LAWYERS and BEST LAW FIRMS marks for the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world available at https://www.bestlawyers.com/

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We’re in the Business of Having Fun!

Public Workshops • Private Parties • Team Building Events • Kids Parties • Girls Night Out • Bachelorette Parties • Brought to you!

2 02 1 W I N N E R

Thank you for voting us #1 4 8 W M O N TG O M E R Y C R O S S R O A D | S AVA N N A H , G A 3 1 4 0 6 | 9 1 2 . 6 7 5 . 4 1 7 0 S AVA N N A H @ B O A R D A N D B R U S H . C O M | B O A R D A N D B R U S H . C O M / S AVA N N A H /

Jere’s Antiques

Follow us on Facebook/IG

Thank you for making our tails wag AND VOTING US BEST OF SAVANNAH!

For 47 years ... Nothing But The BEST.

202 2 W I N N E R

Daycare & Boarding | Shuttle Service | Grooming Training Classes | Self-Serve Dog Wash | Retail Store

HIPSTERHOUND.NET 9 N. Jefferson Street ◆ Downtown Savannah 912.236.2815 ◆ jeresantiques.com ◆

1 DIAMOND CAUSEWAY, UNIT 13 | 912.349.7640 115 ECHOLS AVE | 912.436.6560

Thank you for voting us BEST FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST!

Holistic Wellness of Savannah D r. Tas s i e Hargrove

1 OGLETHORPE PROFESSIONAL BLVD., STE. 203

WWW.HOLISTICWELLNESSSAVANNAH.COM HOLISTICWELLNESSSAVANNAH@GMAIL.COM

912.235.2968

Thank you for voting us

BEST of Savannah!

4426 Habersham St.

|

912.353.8337

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH GYM

M ASSAGE T HER A PI S T

PER S O N A L TRA I N ER

Y O G A S TU D IO

FIT Gym fitgymsandfly.com fitgymsavannah.com Runner-up: YMCA of Coastal Georgia ymcaofcoastalga.org

Cathy Thomas, LMT, Savannah Healing Arts massagebycathy.us Runner-up: Christina Harley, Christina’s Healing Hands Massage Therapy christinashealnhands massagetherapy.com

Drew Edmonds, Train Me 24/7 fitgymsavannah.com Runner-up: Cameron Scott, Orangetheory Savannah orangetheory.com/en-us/locations/ georgia/savannah

Savannah Power Yoga savannahpoweryoga.com Runner-up: The Hub Savannah thehubsavannah.com

H AI R RE MOVA L Wax & Wane Waxing Salon waxandwanewaxing.com Runner-up: Southern Sugaring & Spa southernsugaring.com H AI R SA LON 40 Volume Salon & Spa 40volume.com Runner-up: Chapel Hair chapelhairsavannah.com MA NI C U RE S / P E DICURES Legacy Nails Runner-up: Crystal Nails

M ED ICAL SPA Glow Medical Spa + Beauty Boutique glowsavannah.com Runner-up: Refine Savannah refinemedaesthetics.com NONSURGICAL COSMETIC PROCED URE SPEC I A L I S T (FILLERS, ET C.) e ne Savannah refinemedaesthetics.com Runner-up: Chatham Plastic Surgery chathamplasticsurgery.com

PI L ATES A N D BA R R E S TU D I O Pure Barre purebarre.com/location/ savannah-ga Runner-up: The Hub Savannah thehubsavannah.com S PI N A N D C Y C L E S TU D I O The Hub Savannah thehubsavannah.com Runner-up: CycleBar cyclebar.com/location/ midtown-savannah

BA BY G EA R Punch & Judy punchandjudysavannah.com Runner-up: Tactical Baby Gear tacticalbabygear.com BI RTH D AY PART Y V E N UE Exhilarate – The Adventure Zone exhilaratesav.com Runner-up: Oatland Island Wildlife Center sccpss.com/schools/oatland /pages/default.aspx

COME CHECK OUT OUR

NEW MENU!

4521 HABERSHAM STR EET IN HABERSHAM VILLAGE

912.349.6350

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L AVAZZA

COFFEE

ÉCLAIRS GELATO CAKES – OWNERS, STEPHANIE & REGGIE

FINE

CHOCOLATES

Thank you for your votes, Savannah!

204 West Broughton Street | Savannah, GA 31401 | 912.712.5094 | lemacaronsavannah@gmail.com

L E A R N TO F LY

COASTAL GEORGIA’S #1 FLIGHT TRAINING AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT FAA TESTING CENTER

INTRODUCING SPRINGAIR CHARTER SERVICE!

Vacation in the Bahamas, football games and business meetings there and back in one day without hassle!

912.964.1022 | SAVANNAHAVIATION.COM | 34 HANGAR RD. | SAVANNAH, GA 31408

Thank you, Savannah!

Thank you Savannah for voting us

Best Birthday Party Venue Runner Up

Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday with FOO and Get Wild!

Learn more about Oatland Island Wildlife Center birthday parties by visiting: www.friendsofoatland.org

Best Private School Best Day Care Runner-Up Summer Camp

THUR - SAT 7PM - 3AM

314 Williamson Street

(Off W. Bay St. Behind Quality Inn)

52-SMILE (912.527.6453) check us out on Facebook 912-721-2114 www.savcps.com 1599 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA, 31408

Over 20 years serving more than 2 million SmileS Thank you for voting us “BEST NIGHTCLUB” in Savannah!

Business/Private Parties • Live Entertainment Venue Holds 450+ • 50+ Different Beers 250+ Different Liquors

YO GA | PI L AT E S | SPI N | BA RRE 4 5 0 5 HAB E RSHA M ST.

| S AVA N N A H , G A 314 0 5

9 1 2 . 3 5 6 . 8 2 8 0 | T H E H U B S AVA N N A H . C O M | I N F O @ T H E H U B S AV. C O M

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH CH I LDRE N’S C LOTHING

PRIVAT E SCHOO L

G R O O M ER

Punch & Judy punchandjudysavannah.com Runner-up: Emily McCarthy & Co. emilymccarthy.com

Savannah Christian Preparatory School savcps.com Runner-up: St. Andrew’s School saslions.com

The Hipster Hound hipsterhound.net Runner-up: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming woofgangbakery.com

D AYC A RE Little Raiders Learning Academy at Savannah Christian Preparatory School littleraidersla.com Runner-up: The Sanctuary Child Learning & Development Center thesanctuarychildlearningcenter.com K I D - FRI E NDLY DI NING Starland Yard starlandyard.com Runner-up: Crystal Beer Parlor crystalbeerparlor.com PL AYGROU ND Forsyth Park savannah.com/forsyth-park-3 Runner-up: Hull Park savannahga.gov/351/parks-playground

1 9 8OldSSavannah A V A N N Tours A H M Sep23.indd A G A Z I N E .1C O M

PUB LIC SCHOOL Savannah Arts Academy spwww.sccpss.com/schools/saa/ Pages/default.aspx Runner-up: May Howard Elementary School spsccpss.com/schools/mh/Pages/ default.aspx SUM M ER CAM P St. Andrew’s Summer Camp saslions.com/summercamps Runner-up: Camp R.E.D. C.H.A.O.S. at Savannah Christian Preparatory School savcps.com/summer-camp/ red-chaos-weeks-2-and-3-106

A N I M A L RES C U E Renegade Paws Rescue renegadepawsrescue.org Runner-up: One Love Animal Rescue oneloveanimalrescue.com D O G TRA I N ER The Hipster Hound hipsterhound.net Runner-up: The Zoom Room Dog Training zoomroom.com/location/savannah D O G G I E D AY C A RE The Hipster Hound hipsterhound.net Runner-up: Von Trapp Animal Lodge vontrappanimallodge.com

PET S I TTER / D O G WA L KE R Savannah Pet Sitters savannahpet.com Runner-up (TIE): Blissful Buddha Pet Services blissfulbuddhapetservices.com Christy Graham Christy’s Critters facebook.com/christyscrittersga PET S U PPL IE S Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming woofgangbakery.com Runner-up: The Hipster Hound hipsterhound.net

7/19/23 3:07 PM

Thank you to the Savannah community for your love and support!

1 1 9 1 1 M I D D L E G R O U N D R OA D | 9 1 2 . 2 3 1 . 3 6 1 5 | B R I G D O N A N I M A L H O S P I TA L . C O M

PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Security

Beauty

HIGHEST QUALITY LEDs

Value

Turtle Lighting Options Available

• FREE Professional Outdoor Lighting Consultation

• Retrofitting Older Systems to Energy Efficient LED Systems

• Professional Lighting Design

• High Quality Fixtures & LEDs

• Safety, Security & Curb Appeal

• Lifetime Warranty on All Fixtures

Robbie@nitelites.com

912-348-5977

• Commercial & Residential Lighting Design & Installation • Commercial & Residential Preventative Maintenance plans offered

www.NiteLites.com

Each location is locally owned and operated.

Thank you to our loyal customers voting usfor#1voting again us in #1 2022!

Thank you to our loyalfor customers again in 2022!

S E R V I N G SSEAV N ASHAV&A N T HNEA SHU& R RTO AN R EDAI N S G ARE AS R VAI N G HUE NSDUIRNRGO U G R A N I T E G- RM AA NRI B T EL E - - MQAUR A B LR ET Z- Q U A R T Z

Thank youThank to ouryou loyal for voting for us #1 again tocustomers our loyal customers voting usin#12022! again in 2022!

2023!

2023!

S E R V I N GS ESRAV H A&NTNHAE HS U V IANNGNSAAV & RTRHOEUSNUDRI RNOGU A NRDEI A NSG A R E A S G R A N I T EG R- AMNAI RT E B L -E M- AQRUB AL ER T - Z Q U A R T Z

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2023 BEST of SAVANNAH P H Y SI C A L THE RA PY/ R EH ABI LI TATI ON FACILIT Y Fetch Canine Rehab fetchcaninerehab.com V ET E RI NA RI A N Brian Mulvey, Savannah Veterinary Medical Center savannahveterinarymedical.com Runner-up (TIE): Hunter Brigdon, Brigdon Animal Hospital brigdonanimalhospital.com John Schoettle, Innovative Veterinary Medicine ivmdvm.com V ET E RI NA RI A N C LINIC Case Veterinary Hospital caseveterinary.com Runner-up: Crossroad Animal Hospital crossroadah.com

VETERINARIAN SPECIALIST

I N N / B& B

Paul Shealy, DVM, MS, DACVS, BluePearl Savannah vss.org Runner-up: Andrew Daters, DVM, MS Coastal Veterinary Oncology cvo.vet

Ballastone Inn ballastone.com Runner-up: The Marshall House marshallhouse.com TO U R C O M PA N Y

B OUT IQUE HOT E L The Drayton Hotel thedraytonhotel.com Runner-up: The Cotton Sail Hotel hilton.com/en/hotels/savvyup-thecotton-sail-hotel-savannah HOTEL (MORE THAN 100 ROOMS) The DeSoto Savannah thedesotosavannah.com Runner-up: Perry Lane Hotel perrylanehotel.com

Old Savannah Tours oldsavannahtours.com Runner-up: Kelly Tours kellytours.com TO U R G U I D E ( TI E) Brandon Carter, Savannah True History Tours savannahtruehistory.com Dan Leger, Savannah Dan Tours & Entertainment savannahdan.com

SAVANNAH Have an idea for a new category we should consider for 2024?

We want to hear from you!

Send your suggestions to editor@savannahmagazine.com.

Playing with Purpose.

Playing with Purpose.

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W 20 R 18 2 OI N 2N 7 INNER W 0E 19 WINNER NER 2O18 19 WIN MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

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Pediatric speech, occupational and and physical therapists providing quality therapy to help children reach theirtheir full potential Pediatric speech, occupational physical therapists providing quality therapy to help children reach full potential

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