Savannah sandwich shop Zunzi’s plans to open beach bar-themed restaurant on Hilton Head
Zunzi’s, a longtime Savannah sandwich shop, announced Monday that it would be opening one of its beach-themed Zunzibar locations on Hilton Head Island later this year.
A specific location on Hilton Head was not part of the announcement.
The Hilton Head plans are part of a three-restaurant franchise deal with businessman Tom Horton, who was Five Guys’ largest franchisee with 97 stores across seven states, a news release said.
These inaugural franchise locations also will showcase a new operating model with the Zunzibar brand front and center, according to the release.
“Moving forward, our brick-and-mortar locations will feature Zunzibar as a full-service restaurant with a full menu and bar, utilizing the best aspects of our fast-casual operation, all the speed and efficiency of a fast-casual restaurant in a sit-down, dine-in setting,” Zunzi’s and Zunzibar owner Chris Smith said.
The Zunzi’s branding will continue to be on the takeout and delivery aspects of the business.
“If you order takeout from us or order delivery through Uber Eats, you’re dealing with Zunzi’s. But when you come in and dine with us, you’re at Zunzibar,” Smith said.
Zunzi’s opened in Savannah in 2005, and Smith purchased the restaurant in 2014. Zunzi’s opened in Atlanta in 2018, and moved to a new location in Savannah, on Drayton Street, and added Zunzibar. Last year, a free-standing Zunzibar opened on Tybee Island.
Zunzi’s Conquistador, a sandwich with chicken, provolone and parmesan, lettuce, tomato, and a house dressing called “S--- Yeah! Sauce,” has been listed among the nation’s best sandwiches by Thrillist, People magazine, Mental Floss, Buzzfeed and Men’s Journal.
In addition to the lineup of sandwiches, the restaurant’s menu also includes bar bites, wings and bowls.
