News Summary
The beloved Olympia Cafe in Savannah’s River Street is facing an uncertain future as its lease expires in 2025. The City of Savannah has announced it will not renew the lease, prompting community members to rally with a petition that has gathered over 2,000 signatures. While Mayor Van Johnson supports the cafe as a local icon, the city must adhere to competitive bidding laws for publicly owned properties, adding to the challenges of the establishment’s future. As the bidding process unfolds, the fate of this treasured eatery remains in limbo.
Savannah Faces Uncertainty for Beloved Olympia Cafe as Lease Expires in 2025
Savannah’s well-loved Olympia Cafe, a prominent fixture on River Street, is facing an uncertain future as the expiration of its lease approaches at the end of 2025. Notably, the City of Savannah has announced that it will not renew the lease, sparking significant concern among the cafe’s loyal patrons and the local community.
In response to these developments, a petition has gained momentum, amassing over 2,000 signatures from community members who are advocating for the city to reconsider its decision. Supporters highlight the recent improvements made to Olympia Cafe, emphasizing the establishment’s role in the community and the challenges it has faced following the passing of one of its owners.
Mayor Van Johnson has voiced his support for Olympia Cafe, describing it as a “true Savannah icon”. However, he also clarified that the city is required to adhere to certain regulations regarding publicly owned properties — specifically, the competitive bidding laws set forth in state law (OCGA § 36-37-6(i)(1)(A)). These laws dictate that any lease exceeding 30 days must go through a formal bidding process, which the City Council cannot bypass.
Details on the Lease and Future Plans
The Gamble Building, which houses Olympia Cafe, is owned by the City of Savannah. An official Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new tenant was announced by the city on May 15, 2025. Proposals are due by August 19, 2025, and the winning bid will be recommended to the City Council for approval later in the year.
Under the current lease agreement, Olympia Cafe will continue to operate until December 31, 2025. Nonetheless, potential renovations to the Gamble Building could lead to an occupancy delay for a new tenant, pushing the expected start date for any new lease to the third quarter of 2026. This means that if Olympia Cafe decides to submit a proposal to remain at its location, it may encounter significant challenges due to the likelihood of having to close during extensive renovations.
Background Context and Community Involvement
Olympia Cafe is not only a restaurant but also a symbol of the rich cultural tradition of Savannah. Established several years ago, it has built a solid reputation among locals and visitors alike for its unique offerings. The cafe’s enduring presence on River Street has contributed to the local economy and tourism, making it a cherished destination. Many community members are deeply invested in its future, believing that the cafe’s closure would be a loss for the historical and cultural fabric of Savannah.
The current situation has sparked conversations among local residents regarding the way publicly owned properties are leased and the necessity for transparency in the bidding process. Some community members argue that special considerations should be made for long-standing businesses that have made significant contributions to the city, while others emphasize the importance of adhering to the law and ensuring a fair process for all potential tenants.
As the clock ticks down to the lease expiration and the bidding process unfolds, the fate of Olympia Cafe remains uncertain. The coming months will be pivotal as the cafe, along with its supporters, navigates the complexities of local governance, laws, and bids to secure its future in the beloved city of Savannah.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Eat It and Like It: Olympia Cafe Closing?
- WSAV: Savannah Restaurant at Risk of Closing
- WJCL: Olympia Cafe Owner Nick Pappas Dies
- WSAV: Owner of Savannah’s Olympia Cafe Dies
- Savannah Magazine: Best Places to Dock and Dine
- Wikipedia: Olympia Cafe
- Google Search: Olympia Cafe Savannah
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah, Georgia
- Google News: Olympia Cafe Savannah
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.
