It’s “Totally Awesome” for Savannah as Totally Awesome Bar prepares to make its comeback this summer.
The nostalgic bar closed in February, but former patron Jay Trikha and one of his business partners are now taking the reins. Trikha brings hospitality experience as the owner of Jay Trikha Presents.
“My friends and I used to go there quite a bit and loved the space,” Trikha told What Now Charleston. “One of my partners owns a bunch of photo booths, and one existed in Totally Awesome Bar. He had to go get the photo booth out [when they closed]. Both of us walked in there, and one thing led to another. We decided to buy the IP off the owner, talk to the landlord, get a new lease and bring Totally Awesome Bar back.”
The bar’s retro ’80s and ’90s theme, complete with old-school video games and pool tables, isn’t going away but instead getting an upgrade.
“The theme is exactly the same. The nostalgia is exactly the same. We’re just cleaning up the space. We’re redoing the bathrooms, new stage, getting more lighting, a better sound system, redoing the pool tables—just sprucing it up without changing what Totally Awesome Bar stands for,” he said.
The bar will continue offering its selection of beers, cocktails and spirits, along with its previous programming. Karaoke, open mic nights, comedy shows, pool tournaments and free pool Mondays will all return.
Trikha said he also retained the bar’s former staff, meaning many patrons will be greeted by familiar faces.
“I’m very excited to actually open the door and feel that love from the city of Savannah, which is already such a welcoming city,” he said.
The team is finalizing inspections and aims to reopen the bar in early August. Visit the Totally Awesome Bar website and follow along on Instagram for the latest updates.
