NEWS
Published on: Jul. 22, 2026
Grand Openings, Ribbon Cuttings & Congratulations for the Week of July 20, 2026
Thank you to the 2026 Ribbon Cutting Sponsor, The Current Agency: A Digital and Creative Agency
Please support your fellow Chamber members by attending these upcoming ribbon-cutting and grand opening events, and join us in congratulating the members below who recently hosted a celebration!
Congratulations:
Preserving History, Elevating Hospitality: The Present Unveils Stunning Transformation on Crawford Square
Savannah’s legendary historic charm met five-diamond luxury as The Present celebrated its grand re-opening. Located at 224 Houston St., the landmark 1850 property on Crawford Square welcomed community leaders and guests on Tuesday, July 14, to toast its comprehensive, top-to-bottom interior redesign and the celebration of a new era under Trouvaille Collection. Acquired and completely reimagined by the boutique hospitality group, the 16-key property represents a masterclass in balancing historic preservation with modern sophistication. Originally built as The John Tucker Property, the site holds a storied place in local lore as the oldest standing structure on Crawford Square. Following a meticulous restoration guided by CEO Joshua Hatter and General Manager Mark Edwards, the inn successfully marries original antebellum architecture—such as graceful proportions and historic millwork—with refined contemporary amenities, including a virtual concierge, complimentary guest bicycles, an epicurean breakfast, and a tranquil courtyard setting. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates the team at The Present and Trouvaille Collection on their successful grand re-opening, celebrating a stunning addition that honors Savannah’s past while elevating its world-class hospitality future.
- Photo Credit: Great Oaks Bank
- Photo Credit: Great Oaks Bank
Purpose-Driven Retail: Blessingdales Unveils Sprawling New Storefront on Abercorn Street
Marking three decades of compassionate local care, The Living Vine celebrated a major expansion of its mission with the official ribbon-cutting of its new Blessingdales Thrift Store location. Held on Wednesday, July 15, the grand opening brought community leaders and supporters together at Piccadilly Square, 10010 Abercorn St., to unveil a massive 12,300-square-foot retail destination. The impressive new facility drastically expands the organization’s floor capacity, allowing Blessingdales to generate greater, more sustainable revenue for The Living Vine’s landmark maternity home program. For 30 years, the nonprofit has served as a critical safety net in Savannah, offering safe housing, education, life skills training, and workforce development for mothers and children in crisis. Living true to their mission on day one, the grand opening featured a community diaper drive, encouraging attendees to contribute directly to the families supported by the program. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates The Living Vine and the entire Blessingdales team on their successful grand opening, applauding an inspiring model of how commercial growth can directly fuel community healing and hope across the Lowcountry.
- Photo Credit: Bunny in the City
- Photo Credit: Bunny in the City
Tail-Wagging Success: Barkyard Daycare & Pet Hotel Celebrates One Year on Skidaway Road
The local pet care community had plenty to bark about as Barkyard Daycare & Pet Hotel marked its milestone first anniversary. The popular pet care destination celebrated its successful inaugural year with a lively “Birthday Pawty” and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 17, at its facility located at 2615 Skidaway Road. Over the past year, Barkyard has evolved into a trusted hub for Savannah pet parents, offering specialized dog and cat daycare, boarding, and socialization in a secure, welcoming environment. To thank the clients, team members, and furry friends who made the first year a success, the anniversary celebration rolled out the red carpet for both two-legged and four-legged guests alike. Attendees enjoyed dog-friendly ice cream from Salty Paws, navigated an interactive Zoom Room agility course, and partook in classic cookout treats, blending community networking with tail-wagging fun. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Barkyard Daycare & Pet Hotel on a fantastic first year of business and applauds their ongoing dedication to providing exceptional, loving care for Savannah’s beloved pets.
- Photo Credit: Ribbon Cutting Council
- Photo Credit Ribbon Cutting Council
Upcoming:
Element Tree Essentials
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026,
Time: 10 AM – 11 AM (Cut ribbon at 10:30 AM)
Location: 101 W. Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Element Tree Essentials will celebrate the newly added unique experience of Aura Photography on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10 am. Element Tree Essentials started in Asheville, NC with Kasey’s goal of creating everyday rituals that feel grounding, beautiful, and genuinely nourishing. What began as a homemade lotion candle line, has grown into a brand shaped by Appalachian botanicals, clean ingredients, and a belief that fragrance should make a space feel softer, not louder. We now welcome our Aura Photography experience to deepen your understanding of yourself. Our Aura Photography reveals your unique energy field, connecting the physical, emotional, and spiritual layers of your soul.
Nelly’s Grocery & Wine
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026,
Time: 12 PM – 1 PM
Location: 630 Indian Street, Ste A, Savannah, GA 31401
The wait is finally over! Join us as we officially open the doors to Nelly’s Grocery & Wine. Celebrate with a ribbon cutting, explore the store, taste new products, meet the team, and be among the first to experience Savannah’s newest neighborhood grocery destination. We can’t wait to welcome you!
The Villas at Bloomingdale
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026,
Time: 11 AM – 12 PM (Cut Ribbon at 11 AM)
Location: 101 Marigold Loop, Bloomingdale, GA 31302
Join us in celebrating the debut of The Villas at Bloomingdale, a beautiful new community designed for comfort, style, and easy living. Featuring thoughtfully crafted homes, modern finishes, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, The Villas at Bloomingdale offers the perfect place to relax, connect, and call home. We’re excited to invite you to our Grand Opening on July 29th at 11:00 AM! Come tour our stunning homes, meet the team, and experience firsthand everything this vibrant new community has to offer. Whether you’re searching for your next home or simply curious, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar and discover life at The Villas at Bloomingdale—we can’t wait to welcome you!
Cool Sudz Car Wash
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026,
Time: Doors open at 8 AM |Ribbon Cutting at 10 AM
Location: 5440 Augusta Road, Savannah, GA 31408
Cool Sudz Car Wash is excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of our express car wash in Savannah! Join us as we officially relaunch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a full month of exciting promotions, giveaways, and community celebration. Guests can enjoy a FREE Platinum Wash during Grand Re-Opening Week, an exclusive offer of $5 for the first month of our Unlimited Wash Club, sign up for our Loyalty Club for exclusive offers and updates, enter exciting raffles to win prizes—including a TV, an annual Unlimited Wash Club membership, gift cards, and more—and enjoy complimentary air fresheners, snacks, and drinks. Independently owned and woman-owned, Cool Sudz Car Wash is committed to providing a fast, convenient, and high-quality car wash experience while giving back to the communities we serve. We look forward to welcoming our neighbors, local businesses, and community leaders as we celebrate this exciting milestone together.
Home Smiles
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026,
Time: 10 AM (Ribbon Cut at 10:30 AM)
Location: Silas Park at Savannah Harbor | 100 Channel St, Savannah, GA 31421
HomeSmiles Savannah will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Silas Park on Hutchinson Island. As America’s Leader in Preventive Home Maintenance, HomeSmiles helps homeowners protect their biggest investment with services like gutter cleaning, window washing, dryer vent cleaning, pressure washing, and more. Join us for coffee, pastries, and a raffle for a free Whole Home Soft Wash. We will also be collecting school supply donations for Chatham County Schools, including crayons, pencils, and clear book bags. RSVP by July 31st by texting 803-381-5055 or emailing sa******@********es.com.
The Coastal Gullah Geechee & Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce
Date: Friday, August 7, 2026,
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: West Broad Bandshell | 514 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401
The Coastal Gullah Geechee & Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate its official Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the West Broad Bandshell, located at 514 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401. Doors open at 5:30pm and there is plenty of parking! This celebration will bring together culture, commerce, community, and legacy through food, drinks, live storytelling by Lillian Grant-Baptiste, the Kwanzaa365 African dancers, a special surprise guest from the Congo of Africa, and check presentations to small business owners. Proceeds will benefit the SAFE Shelter. Guests are encouraged to register on our website:
https://coastalgullahgeecheeafrocarribeanchamber.com/
SAV Guide
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026,
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Cut ribbon at 6:30 PM)
Location: Common Restaurant | 118 E. Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Join Haydn and the SAV Guide team as we celebrate the official opening of savguide.com at The Room at Common on Thursday, August 6th starting at 5:30 PM. This new local event digital hub is designed to be the easiest way to find and navigate happenings near you. From live music and festivals to art shows and neighborhood gatherings, you can discover what’s happening, save events you’re interested in, buy tickets, and get reminders so you never miss out on the local pulse. We invite you to network, celebrate this new digital resource, and toast to the future of Savannah’s event scene.
CATEGORY:
Chamber News 





