Olympia Cafe has been a familiar presence on River Street for more than 30 years, known for its waterfront views, authentic Greek food, and longevity in a part of town where restaurants often come and go. But its lease with the City of Savannah is set to expire at the end of 2025, and what happens after that remains up in the air.
The space is part of the city owned Gamble Building, which means any long-term lease must go through a public bidding process. That process is now underway, with proposals due in mid-August. Olympia is eligible to submit one, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be selected.
To complicate things further, the city has plans to renovate the building before any new lease begins. That means whoever gets the space—whether it’s Olympia or someone new—would need to close for months, maybe longer, before reopening. For an existing business, it’s a tough ask to sit idle that long and hope to bounce back.
For longtime fans and locals, the idea of River Street without Olympia Cafe is hard to imagine. The restaurant has been a mainstay for decades and was even featured on the big screen during filming for the movie Devotion. After the recent passing of co-owner Nick Pappas, the family and staff have continued operating the restaurant while navigating an uncertain future.
Nothing is final yet, and it’s possible Olympia will return after the renovations, but it’s not a done deal. For now, they’re still open through the end of next year, and the outcome of the proposal process will determine what comes next.
