Savannah Morning News

Atlanta-based chicken tender restaurant, Irish pub at Bayou Café space coming to Savannah

By Laura Nwogu – Savannah Morning News
Oct 26, 2021

Ask anyone why they love Savannah and the likely answer will be the food. Every corner is bustling with dining and drinking spots that satisfy a variety of tastes. Lucky for locals and tourists alike, there's never a shortage of spots to visit, especially when new businesses are rolling in every month. Here are three restaurants to keep an eye out for in the remaining months of 2021.

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PONKO Chicken

405 Pooler Pkwy, Pooler; ponkochicken.com

Atlanta-based PONKO Chicken is coming to Pooler, adding to the city's continuous development of robust dining, retail and entertainment options. Steve Mills, PONKO franchise owner, and Charlie Bruce, his business partner for seven years and a Pooler resident, have partnered to bring the award-winning Japanese-American chicken tender to the first location outside of metro-Atlanta.

Expected opening: November 2021

What customers can expect: According to a press release, "The "Eats Meets West" restaurant concept will seat 50 inside and 24 people on their patio. The Pooler restaurant will offer PONKO's full menu, featuring its award-winning PONKO Chicken, as well as vegan and vegetarian options, customized catering and will also serve beer and wine."

More: New brewery, Charleston-based restaurant among new additions coming to Savannah food scene

John McGraw's Irish Pub

14 N. Abercorn Ramp

The incoming pub is owned by Don McGraw who recently purchased three staple Tybee Island businesses Agnes Marie shrimp boat, Coco’s Sunset Grille and Captain Mike’s Dolphin Adventure. The Irish pub will be located where River Street favorite Bayou Café once stood.

More: Shrimping boat Agnes Marie, other businesses have new owner, new chapter on Tybee water

Expected opening: End of October 2021, beginning of November 2021.

What customers can expect: "We're going to have traditional Irish fare with a twist. For example, corned beef and cabbage egg rolls with a nice horseradish sauce and Guinness-infused caramelized onions burgers," said Marta Midgala, regional manager for John McGraw's Irish Pub.

The Frosty Frog Express

224 W. Factors Walk

Expected opening: Undetermined

What customers can expect: There's not much known about the new bar/lounge located between Barnard Street ramp and Montgomery Street. The bar will open every day of the week until 3 a.m. and there will be a full-service restaurant.

Laura Nwogu is the quality of life reporter for Savannah Morning News. Contact her at lnwogu@gannett.com. Twitter: @lauranwogu_

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Atlanta-based chicken tender restaurant, Irish pub at Bayou Café space coming to Savannah

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Laura Nwogu

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