CASE STUDY · 02

A Love Letter to Savannah, Reimagined

The Challenge

Sobremesa had everything it needed to become something special: a beloved wine lounge in Savannah’s Starland District, but its concept, layout, and positioning were holding it back from reaching its potential as a true dining destination.

The Approach

As co-owner, Jason stepped in as a strategic partner with a clear plan: reposition the concept from wine lounge to dining destination, elevate the food and wine program, redesign the space to support small-plate dining, expand seating to 42 guests and accommodate private events, strengthen hospitality and service standards, and build visibility through social media and Resy. He layered in recurring guest and community programming, including wine education and a podcast partnership, to turn first-time visitors into regulars. Renovations completed late 2024.

The Outcome

Without this shift, Sobremesa risked staying a niche wine bar with limited room to grow. Instead, it earned national press (Savannah Magazine, Savannah Agenda, Connect Savannah), recognition for Best Wine Bar, Best Wine List, and Best Happy Hour, and a reputation as a destination for travelers and regulars alike.

“Very few people believed the space could become what it is today. Sobremesa began with just 16 dining chairs, 10 barstools, and very little room for a true food program. We thoughtfully reworked the space to support a stronger dining experience, expanded the food and wine offerings, elevated our social media presence, and introduced Resy to build brand awareness and reach visitors planning their time in Savannah. Today, Sobremesa is an award-winning local favorite, a destination for travelers, and a place filled with regulars who feel at home here.”

— Jason Restivo

Sobramesa

Sobramesa

The Impact

Through strategic menu development, wine programming, hospitality training, and operational leadership, Sobremesa achieved:

  • 73% growth in annual sales from 2023 to 2025
  • 97% growth in July revenue from 2023 to 2026
  • 103% increase in average guest spend from July 2023 to July 2026
  • 280% increase in July food sales from 2023 to 2026
  • 110% increase in reservation volume after implementing Resy
  • Expanded seating capacity from 26 to 42 guests
  • Increased social media reach by 124% over three years
  • Expanded operating days, service periods, and private-event capabilities
  • Strengthened team retention while building a loyal following of local guests and Savannah visitors