Property Management Company in Savannah, GA

Chef Mashama Bailey has had a lot to celebrate in 2024. She turned 50 on Bastille Day and had a revolutionary party at The Grey to fête the golden moment. And on Dec. 18, she and business partner Johno Morisano marked another milestone: the diamond, or tenth, anniversary, of The Grey.

It is not an understatement to say that The Grey transformed Savannah’s culinary landscape, physically and spiritually, when it opened in 2014.

From the Archives:Mashama Bailey of Savannah's The Grey awarded 2019 James Beard award for best southeast chef

In Writing:The Grey's Johno Morisano, Mashama Bailey talk memoir, friendship and new Austin restaurants

Bailey admitted that there were times she and Morisano thought they were going to fail.

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“We’re not profitable, because we reinvest everything we make back into the business,” said Bailey. “We made a lot of sacrifices financially in order to build the kind of place that we both would want to work.”

This next decade is about “building a sustainable culture…That’s a shift, so I think for me the biggest aha moment in the 10 years is like, okay, we’ve built it. Now, how do we grow it?”

That means moving the restaurant beyond “a passion project” and learning how to lead not just from an emotional-soulful place but also with professionalism, technical excellence, and putting in place systems that attract and keep talented staff.

“Ten years has taught me the importance of communication and building systems in order to build a sustainable future. Honestly, the first five years was pure grit and pure sweat. Then the five years after was a little bit like, okay, cool, we wrote a book—let’s go…”

The last six months have been about getting back to their basics and reinvigorating that passion with a menu reboot that brings back some longstanding favorites—pickled oysters, house-aged steaks, Country Captain—recipes she developed by extensive research into historic restaurant menus and studying the legacy of chef and teacher Edna Lewis.

“Since October, I feel like we really see a difference and how we’re building the team, really kind of owning who we are and not trying to constantly one-up who we are.”

Instead of growth, it is more akin to maturation. “It gives me the opportunity to teach someone else how to do it, to empower other people. If I’m constantly changing things, people don’t feel empowered, right? They feel unsure.”

Bailey feels more certain now than she has in a while with where The Grey is and where it is going, including a restaurant planned for Paris. “Johno and I, we’re a true partnership, you know. I think we make each other better…The thing I’m most proud of is how we’ve come together. I’ve not only grown as a person, but I’ve actually grown as a business partner…I’m looking at it not only from a chef point of view, but this is our business.”

Amy Paige Condon is a content coach and site editor for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at ACondon@gannett.com.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - People in our area are fed up with FedEx, as they’ve waited for packages that are weeks past their expected delivery date.

With these delays falling so close to the holidays, frustrations are high as families hope to get everything under the tree in just a few days.

On Friday, many people stood in line at a FedEx facility off of U.S. 80, as they looked for their packages and answers from employees.

“When we’re expecting a package within a certain time period before Christmas, we’re expecting that to be here before Christmas,” said Sabrina Satterfield, whose husband waited almost two weeks for parts of a $3,000 drum set he ordered. As he waited for missing parts, he asked FedEx for answers, which weren’t easy to get.

“At one point we were told that the package was lost, when in fact it was still sitting at the Pooler hub,” said Satterfield.

While some like Satterfield waited for Christmas gifts, others are still waiting for necessities.

“It’s been three weeks, and my package is my bed, and I literally have been sleeping on the floor,” said James Chapman.

Chapman ordered his bed at the end of November and was originally told it would be delivered within a week.

“It was scheduled to be delivered to me on December 2nd,” said Chapman. “It’s now the 20th and I still haven’t received my package.”

After waiting in line at the facility for about two hours on Friday, Chapman was told by FedEx his package was stuck on a trailer that employees couldn’t get to. This news came after Chapman got a call a few hours earlier that day that it his package was ready to pick up.

“I took off work today to come out here and get my package,” said Chapman. “I’m almost lost for words. When I was trying to speak to the lady in there, she says she understands, but I’m like you can’t understand because you’re not sleeping on the floor.”

While on site Friday, WTOC spoke with someone from FedEx who said they had no comment. The same day, WTOC also reached out to FedEx’s corporate team who did not respond.

Copyright 2024 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Along the coast of Georgia, at the center of the state’s gentle curve inward, is St. Simons Island, an easygoing spot where massive, moss-covered oaks shade winding roads and miles of pristine beachfront unspool along the Atlantic. Georgia’s largest barrier island is a place that invites you to kick back, relax, and indulge in all it has to offer. From a barbecue joint you’ll want to write home about to a boutique hotel you’ll never want to leave, here are the best restaurants, shops, hotels, and experiences in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Eat A Memorable Meal

Regarded as one of the South's Top Barbecue Joints, Southern Soul Barbeque is a favorite among old-faithfuls and newcomers for a reason. Namely, that they make the “best damn barbecue you’d ever had.” They smoke it all here—chicken, turkey, and sausage included—but first-timers should go straight for the main event: a “plate-up” of pulled pork with two sides (the Brunswick stew and fried okra are hard to beat, plus a piece of white bread for good measure.

southernsoulbbq.com, 2020 Demere Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522

First opened in 1954, the area’s oldest privately owned restaurant once required formal attire. These days, the dress code leans more “come as you are” than coat-and-tie, but some things haven’t changed: Their famed steaks are still cooked over a wood-fired grill, and a “Raccoon,” a boozy milkshake, is the best way to finish the meal. Afterwards, pop to their “Treebar,” next door, where as the name suggests, you can have a drink beneath the sprawling limbs of a massive oak tree.

benniesredbarn.com, 5514 Frederica Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Named for chef and owner Daniel Auffenberg’s maternal grandmother, this charming spot is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the tastebuds. Inside, find a seat beneath rattan lanterns and lush greenery, or if the weather’s nice, choose an outside table under one of their signature striped umbrellas. Don’t miss the oysters (a rotating selection from all along the East Coast) or the cocktail menu, which includes a mix of classics and original concoctions.

dorothysssi.com, 12 Market St, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Settle in for local peel-and-eat shrimp with a view of the marsh at Fiddlers, an easygoing spot where you can score everything from fried seafood baskets with hushpuppies and fries to coconut rice bowls served with avocado and tuna tartare.

fiddlersat410arnold.com, 410 Arnold Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Open Wednesday through Sunday, Dulce Dough is the place to grab a pastry or doughnut for a vacation-worthy breakfast. Check their Instagram to sneak a peek at the bakeshop’s ever-changing menu of flavors, which range from the classic, like Maple-Glazed to the wildly inventive, like Satsuma Mandarin with European Butter. Beyond the doughnuts, you’ll also find brioche breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, homemade granola, and a host of other treats.

dulcedoughbakery.com, 1624 Frederica Rd Unit 1, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Play Outside

Ocean-fronting East Beach is open to the public, with wide swaths of sand primed for sunning and shelling and surf that’s just right for swimming. Plus, there’s plenty of convenient parking, and dogs are welcome too. Pack a picnic (and sunscreen), and stay ‘til sunset.

Take the 129 steps of the St. Simons Lighthouse’s spiral staircase to earn a birds’-eye view of the coast. Built in 1827, the 104-feet-tall tower is one of only five remaining light towers in the state. The Keeper’s Dwelling, built the same year as the lighthouse, today operates as the museum.

coastalgeorgiahistory.org, 610 Beachview Drive St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Whether you’re hoping for an offshore adventure and the catch of a lifetime or an inshore fly-fishing trip, there’s a local guide who’s ready to introduce you to the island’s surrounding waterways. If you’re not ready to commit to a full-on charter (or even leave land), you can fish or crab off St. Simons Island Pier right on the edge of Pier Village, the area’s main shopping and dining district.

With more than 20 miles of paved paths, St. Simons makes it easy to explore by bicycle. Rent beach cruisers or e-bikes from one of the island’s many rental companies, and pedal to your heart’s content.

One of the best ways to experience the area’s natural beauty is getting out on the water. Book a kayak tour with SouthEast Adventure Outfitters and wind your way through tidal creeks and salt marsh, or opt for a boat cruise to take in a sunset you’ll never forget.

southeast-adventure-outfitters.myshopify.com

The South's Best Beaches

Squeeze In Some Shopping

The brainchild of floral and landscape designers Kelly Revels and Bryce Vann Brock, The Vine is an amalgamation of all the things they love—event design, florals, and home goods. Pop in to shop their assortment of the wild and whimsical, from coffee table books to bud vases to candles.

vinegardenmarket.com, 100 Garden Grove Lane, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Bring home a special memento of your time on the island with a piece from Anderson Fine Art Gallery, which curates a beautiful collection of landscape paintings, still lifes, and nostalgia-inducing scenes from nationally known artists.

andersonfineartgallery.com, 3309 Frederica Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522

The New York-based brand has Southern roots: Its founder and creative director Amy Smilovic grew up in St. Simons, which is why it’s home to one of Tibi’s only outlets. The fashion-loving set can peruse racks of occasion-worthy dresses and timeless staples, along with shoes and accessories, and take them home for a song.

tibi.com, 28 Market St Suite 120, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Where To Stay

Though technically not on St. Simons Island (it’s on its own sliver of land), 95-year-old Sea Island Resort is too iconic to leave off the list. Opened in 1928 “as a friendly little hotel,” the five-star property today still celebrates this brand of hospitality, ensuring first-time guests feel like old-timers and old-timers feel like family. With dozens of amenities and experiences, including educational sea turtle walks, horseback riding, and river paddles, Sea Island ensures you’ll never have to sit still for long—unless, of course, R&R is what you’re after. In that case, park it in a pool lounger or beach chair (there are three pools and five miles of beachfront to choose from) and stay put ‘til sunset.

seaisland.com, 100 Cloister Dr, Sea Island, GA 31561

For a boutique stay with a throwback feel, book one of the five thoughtfully decorated houses at The Park, another project of the duo behind The Vine. The motor-lodge-style hotel is anchored by a central pool that’s surrounded by peach loungers and black-and-white scalloped umbrellas. Gathering with a 33? You can book the entire property, which sleeps up to 26 people.

theparkssi.com, 420 Mallery St, St Simons Island, GA 31522

From oceanfront suites in the hotel’s historic Main Building to five-bedroom residences, The King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort makes family vacations a breeze. In addition to direct beach access, they also offer an award-winning golf course, three outdoor pools, and umbrella and chair rentals for an easy day on the sand.

kingandprince.com, 201 Arnold Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522

The island is home to an abundance of beach house rentals, which means it’s not hard to find one that suits your needs. VRBO and Airbnb have a presence on the island, but you can also shop rentals from locally owned companies, like Lighthouse Vacations, which is run by a lifelong St. Simons native; they offer properties all over the island and even have pet-friendly options.

lighthousevacations.com

While a cold front moves across Savannah and the Golden Isles throughout the weekend and the early part of Christmas week, the forecast for snow looks bleak.

The temperature will be around 53 degrees on Christmas Eve, but it will warm to 63 degrees Christmas morning in Savannah, according to AccuWeather's 10-day forecast.

Low temperatures are forecasted to be in the low 40s each morning. Its forecasted for dry weather both days, with intervals of cloud and sunshine.

A cold front will pass through Georgia late Saturday and bring colder temperatures to the state for the weekend, with lows in Savannah dropping into the mid-20s and highs on Sunday and Monday only reaching the upper-40s.

In other parts of the state it is expected to be cooler but no precipitation in the forecast. Athens will only reach a high of 44 on Christmas Eve but is expected to reach 53 on Christmas Day.

Augusta is expecting highs in the 50s both days while Dalton will have a high of 47 on Christmas Eve and reach 54 on Christmas Day.

Hiawassee will reach 50 on Christmas Day, with a chance of a passing shower in the evening.

But, sadly for many in the state, no snow.

Has it snowed on Christmas in Georgia?

While it's rare, the last significant event was in 2010 when Athens received two inches of snow on Christmas Day while Atlanta received a little more than an inch.

An ice storm in 1962 affected north Georgia, according to the National Weather Service, which had its biggest impact in Gainesville, downing numerous trees and powerlines and causing power outages.

A snow storm in Savannah just before Christmas in 1989 remained on the ground Christmas Day, and remains the only measurable snow on the day in recorded history.

What is the average temperature on Christmas Day in Georgia?

Average highs across north Georgia are in the mid-40s while the southern half of the state is typically in the mid-50s, according to the NWS.

Average low temperatures range from the mid-20s for north Georgia to mid-40s for south Georgia.

Ryne Dennis is the Deep South Connect Team Editor for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X@RyneDennis and email atrdennis@onlineathens.com.

Savannah Morning News

(This story has been updated to correct the actual date of the tenth anniversary from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18.)

Chef Mashama Bailey has had a lot to celebrate in 2024. She turned 50 on Bastille Day and had a revolutionary party at The Grey to fête the golden moment. And on Dec. 18, she and business partner Johno Morisano will mark another milestone: the diamond, or tenth, anniversary, of The Grey.

It is not an understatement to say that The Grey transformed Savannah’s culinary landscape, physically and spiritually, when it opened in 2014. Bailey, a young Black woman from Queens, was the sous-chef at New York City’s lauded Prune. Her mother was born and raised in Georgia, and Bailey lived for a time in Savannah as a child. Morisano, a white Staten Island native, had made a name for himself as media startup entrepreneur, and had fallen in love with Georgia’s first city on vacations.

In 2014, the duo partnered to restore and revitalize a midcentury Greyhound bus station on a fallow stretch of Savannah’s Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard into a sleek eatery. In the remaking of the space, they kept the details that held its story as a formerly segregated transit depot, down to a sign in the back that noted where Black passengers had to wait for the bus.

In the decade since, the restaurant has received accolades for its historic preservation. Bailey was honored with not one, but two, James Beard Foundation awards—one for Best Chef Southeast in 2019 and three years later for Outstanding Chef. The restaurant often tops annual best of lists, not just for its food but for its wine list. In January 2021, Morisano and Bailey released “Black, White, and The Grey: The Story of an Unexpected Friendship and a Beloved Restaurant,” to wide acclaim for its vulnerability and honesty with the hard discussions the pair had to hold to bring The Grey into being.

From the Archives:Mashama Bailey of Savannah's The Grey awarded 2019 James Beard award for best southeast chef

In Writing:The Grey's Johno Morisano, Mashama Bailey talk memoir, friendship and new Austin restaurants

Some days are diamonds, some days are stones

What The Grey has accomplished in a decade is remarkable, when considering the fact that the American Restaurant Association reports 60% of all new restaurants fail within the first year; 80% within five. Undercapitalization, wafer-thin profit margins, high staff turnovers and inflexibility in the face of market forces are just a few big obstacles on the road to success. The underlying challenges, when compounded—lack of inventory control, basic business understanding, and systems management—tend to be the smaller but more lethal strikes (think about the 90% of the iceberg that is underwater) that can sink a restaurant, even a popular one.

Bailey admitted that there were times she and Morisano thought they were going to fail.

“We’re not profitable, because we reinvest everything we make back into the business,” said Bailey. “We made a lot of sacrifices financially in order to build the kind of place that we both would want to work.”

That approach meant having health insurance for employees from day one—not a typical practice, especially in new restaurants. But it was part of building a culture.

This next decade is about “building a sustainable culture…That’s a shift, so I think for me the biggest aha moment in the 10 years is like, okay, we’ve built it. Now, how do we grow it?”

That means moving the restaurant beyond “a passion project” and learning how to lead not just from an emotional-soulful place but also with professionalism, technical excellence, and putting in place systems that attract and keep talented staff.

“Ten years has taught me the importance of communication and building systems in order to build a sustainable future. Honestly, the first five years was pure grit and pure sweat. Then the five years after was a little bit like, okay, cool, we wrote a book—let’s go…”

And then came the pandemic.

“So, we spent three years pivoting…like a top spinning in the middle of the [effing] room…It’s been a crazy ride.”

To survive the pandemic, The Grey served limited tasting menus and constructed yurts in the courtyard so guests could dine and socially distance. After a while, though, “people didn’t want to eat like that anymore. So, we went back to our à la carte.”

The four years since the pandemic’s onset have been filled with fits and starts. The lunch counter-bodega Grey Market on Jefferson Street, which adjusted to a take-out service during COVID, could not find its footing after reopening and shuttered in 2023. The Austin, Texas expansion of The Grey struggled to find an audience amid a hotel situation that also offered two other dining options. Those sites closed in June.

The loss of Austin, though, brought Bailey back to The Grey in Savannah and she barely recognized the place that she and Morisano had built. “It was on this kind of treadmill, and it was sustaining itself, but there was not a lot of enthusiasm.”

The last six months have been about getting back to their basics and reinvigorating that passion with a menu reboot that brings back some longstanding favorites—pickled oysters, house-aged steaks, Country Captain—recipes she developed by extensive research into historic restaurant menus and studying the legacy of chef and teacher Edna Lewis.

“Since October, I feel like we really see a difference and how we’re building the team, really kind of owning who we are and not trying to constantly one-up who we are.”

Instead of growth, it is more akin to maturation. “It gives me the opportunity to teach someone else how to do it, to empower other people. If I’m constantly changing things, people don’t feel empowered, right? They feel unsure.”

Bailey feels more certain now than she has in a while with where The Grey is and where it is going, including a restaurant planned for Paris. “Johno and I, we’re a true partnership, you know. I think we make each other better…The thing I’m most proud of is how we’ve come together. I’ve not only grown as a person, but I’ve actually grown as a business partner…I’m looking at it not only from a chef point of view, but this is our business.”

Amy Paige Condon is a content coach and site editor for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at ACondon@gannett.com.