Maizal brings 100% Colombian coffee to Savannah

Savannah residents can visit Maizal on Monday, November 2, 2026. The new establishment marks the arrival of the city’s first Colombian cafe and totally gluten-free restaurant. Owners Kay Heritage and Shahin Afsharian of Big Bon Bodega are launching the business at 8102 Waters Avenue.

Executive chef Mari Borr, who is from Bogota, Colombia, described the goal of the venture. She stated that the vision for Maizal is to create a place where people can gather and enjoy delicious, healthy comfort food. The menu features dishes such as avocado toast, arepas, and Colombian-style coffee.

Borr noted that the cafe will use 100% Colombian coffee sourced from local roasters. The menu includes options like a chicken salad, avocado toast, and arepas. All coffee is sourced from local roasters, including Roaster’s Choice and Specialty Coffee. The cafe will also offer a gluten-free menu that includes items like avocado toast and arepas.

The building at 8102 Waters Avenue is located in the Starland district. The space will feature outdoor seating, private event spaces, and a mixed-use interior including a recording studio. The cafe will operate Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will be open Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Maizal is part of the Big Bon Boga brand, which hosts chef Mari Borr. The brand is known for its support of local artists and original pop-up culture. The cafe will offer new mixed-use interior spaces including a recording studio, private event spaces, and outdoor seating.

Other dining changes in Savannah include the expansion of Leopold’s Ice Cream. The Georgia-based chain, founded in 1919, opened a new shop in the Starland district in October. The location is at 2102 East Bay Street. Leopold’s Ice Cream has expanded by two districts in recent years.

Leopold’s Ice Cream President and CEO Billy III Holcomb said the new location represents the company’s continued growth. He noted that the business has a history of moving boxes of product to private stores, including from its history in the family. The new shop offers private event spaces, including a recording studio and outdoor seating.

V Cocktail Lounge, a subterranean cocktail lounge, is now open underneath the Italian restaurant La Vetta. The lounge is located at 15 Broad Street. It opened in August and serves craft cocktails and local beer. The menu includes items like grilled chicken, pasta, and sandwiches.

The lounge will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. It is located at 15 Broad Street, Savannah. The phone number for V Cocktail Lounge is 912-271-2757. The website for the lounge is vcocktaillounge.com.

Two annual food events are also returning to Savannah. The 37th Annual Shalom Y’all Jewish Food Festival will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Shalom Square Park. The festival is organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Savannah. It will feature 20 participating chefs and 25 food stations. The event will be free to attend, with food available for purchase.

The 3rd Annual Georgia Oyster Revival will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at The Yard in the Starland district. The event is organized by Oyster Growers Association of Georgia. It will feature five local oyster growers and prepared oyster dishes. The event will cost $115 for adults and $21 for children. Tickets are for sale now and there is no waitlist.