News Summary
A new Korean restaurant by the E-Tang group has opened in Downtown Savannah, facing tough competition and a sluggish market. Despite offering popular dishes like bulgogi, the eatery navigates challenges from reduced customer traffic and an increased number of similar dining options. The local dining scene is hoping for recovery with upcoming events, while diners express appreciation for the new menu offerings, signaling a positive step forward amid adversity.
Downtown Savannah
The new Korean restaurant in Downtown Savannah, part of the E-Tang group, faces considerable challenges as it begins operations amidst a tough business landscape. Despite offering a menu rich in well-received dishes like bulgogi, the eatery is navigating a sluggish market impacted by a brutal summer season and increased competition for Asian cuisine.
About E-Tang Group
David Chen, the Managing Partner of the E-Tang group, oversees a growing portfolio of five restaurant locations across different areas, including an original site in Downtown Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton/Oakite, Pooler, and two additional locations in Savannah. The group’s establishments, specifically E-Tang Dim Sum at 10 Whitaker Street and E-Tang Hot Pot at 41 Whitaker Street, have been subject to significant business challenges in recent months.
Business Environment
Reports indicate that local restaurant owners, irrespective of their stature, have felt the impacts of a sluggish summer season, particularly in 2025. Well-established venues, such as the Peacock Lounge, have also noted reduced customer traffic, emphasizing that it is a broader issue affecting the dining scene in the area. The summer seasons of 2023 and 2024 were substantially busier than those observed in 2025, suggesting a downturn in patronage this year.
Competition and Menu Changes
The competitive landscape for Asian cuisine in Downtown Savannah has intensified, with limited options for casual Korean dining prior to the introduction of E-Tang’s Korean menu. Facing slumping customer demand and an oversaturation of similar dining concepts within Savannah’s Historic District, the decision to pivot towards a Korean menu resulted in hiring a new chef specializing in Korean culinary offerings.
Impact of Local Events
Local business owners maintain hope that the return of popular events, such as the Savannah Jazz Festival and Halloween celebrations, will help rejuvenate traffic and sales in the coming months. The prolonged revenue losses experienced during the summer may pose challenges for some establishments that are uncertain if they can recover fully.
Positive Feedback on Menu Offerings
Despite the difficulties, some diners have expressed enjoyment of the bulgogi dish, which has garnered positive responses from patrons. The successful introduction of this menu item signifies a step forward for the restaurant amidst unfavorable conditions.
New Entrants and Future Plans
The Downtown Savannah dining scene is also witnessing the emergence of other new restaurants. One recent opening is the West Broad Bandshell, which combines Southern and Korean culinary influences, while another newcomer, Rome’s, aims to provide unique menu items that are less common in the area. Furthermore, there are plans for a new coffee shop, Orient Espresso, expected to open adjacent to the West Broad Bandshell in the near future, signifying ongoing developments within the local business landscape.
Conclusion: Support for Local Dining
The current business climate is a shared experience among many local establishments, as they navigate the pressures at play. The challenges facing Downtown Savannah’s restaurants highlight the need for community support, particularly during slow economic times. As local dining options continue to evolve, patrons are encouraged to explore and support the restaurants that contribute to the rich tapestry of the downtown area.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Eat It and Like It: E-Tang Adds Korean Cuisine
- Savannah Now: Georgia Restaurant on Food Network’s List of Top Barbecue Spots
- Eater: Best Asian Restaurants in Savannah
- Wikipedia: Korean Cuisine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER 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.
