News Summary
Shahin Afsharian, Executive Chef and Partner at Big Bon Bodega, has been honored in Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40 list. His dedication to culinary innovation and community service has garnered him this recognition. Afsharian’s leadership at Big Bon Bodega in Savannah and Pooler is noted for its focus on international comfort food and local sourcing. Beyond the kitchen, he actively engages in community initiatives, including supporting local causes and addressing food insecurity, which further highlights his commitment to making a positive impact.
Savannah, Georgia – Big Bon Bodega’s Executive Chef and Partner, Shahin Afsharian, has been recognized in Georgia Trend’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list for 2025. This accolade highlights his significant contributions to the culinary scene as well as his commitment to community service. Afsharian is prominently featured in the October 2025 issue of Georgia Trend magazine, known for its long-standing history of covering business, politics, and economic development in Georgia.
Afsharian oversees Big Bon Bodega’s locations in Savannah and Pooler, where he specializes in offering international comfort food. His culinary style is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, which he combines to create dishes inspired by a variety of global cuisines. Under his leadership, Big Bon Bodega has garnered attention, including a feature on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” further establishing the eatery as a beloved neighborhood spot.
In addition to his culinary achievements, Afsharian is known for his dedication to community involvement. He has initiated several programs, one of which is a collaboration with Toast to host local fundraisers aimed at supporting individuals and organizations in need. Recently, he organized a month-long round-up campaign benefiting One Love Animal Rescue, demonstrating his commitment to local causes. Afsharian also plays an active role in addressing homelessness by distributing fresh bagels to individuals experiencing food insecurity.
Afsharian’s background plays a crucial role in shaping his culinary creations. He grew up in Mexico City, where he developed a passion for cooking while preparing Persian dishes with his grandmother. He further honed his skills by attending the Culinary Institute of Mexico and gaining proficiency in English, Spanish, French, and Farsi, enriching his culinary perspective.
His professional journey includes working in prestigious kitchens, such as Michoko’s 21 Grams in New York City and the Ritz-Carlton in Denver. Notably, he served as Sous Chef for the renowned Joël Robuchon at Hotel Metropole in Monte Carlo and later as Executive Chef for the British and French Embassies in Mexico City. These experiences have contributed to his reputation as one of the leading chefs in the region.
Chef Afsharian’s focus on quality has also earned him accolades. He has been recognized for his commitment to using high-quality, non-GMO ingredients and prioritizing local sourcing. Recently, he was voted Best Chef by readers of Pooler Magazine for the second consecutive year, which underscores his impact and popularity within the community.
Big Bon Bodega continues to evolve under Afsharian’s guidance. He is actively expanding the eatery’s menu, incorporating new sandwiches inspired by diverse cultures, to further elevate the dining experience for guests. The establishment has plans to open additional locations in the near future, starting with Pooler. Additionally, Big Bon Bodega is set to relaunch its pizza program in November after making recipe adjustments, promising an exciting new option for patrons.
Through a combination of culinary expertise, community engagement, and a commitment to quality, Shahin Afsharian’s recognition among Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40 reflects his significant contributions to both the food industry and the local community in Georgia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Savannah Business Journal
- WTOC
- Eat It and Like It
- Only in Your State
- Savannah Now
- Wikipedia: Food Industry
- Google Search: Big Bon Bodega
- Google Scholar: Shahin Afsharian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cooking
- Google News: Big Bon Bodega
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
The represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.