News Summary
During the renovation of Sav’s Grill in Lexington, owner Sav Savané uncovered remnants of a Gulf gas station originally built in 1940. This discovery includes the original entrance and curved windows hidden behind drywall. As the restaurant prepares to open in early October, Savané is committed to preserving these historical features, reflecting the community’s growing interest in local history. The project showcases the intersection of culinary arts and local heritage, with plans to incorporate the gas station’s history into the restaurant’s identity.
Lexington, Kentucky: Historic Gas Station Uncovered During Restaurant Renovation
Former Peace Corps volunteer Sav Savané has unveiled a piece of local history while renovating his newly relocated restaurant, Sav’s Grill, in Lexington. During construction at the new site on East Main Street at Old Lafayette Avenue, Savané discovered the original frame entrance to two garage bays of a Gulf gas station that was built in 1940. The renovation also unearthed original curved windows and bricked-in openings hidden behind layers of drywall.
Savané, who has dedicated himself to preserving the historic elements of the gas station, is set to open the restaurant in early October. His efforts to maintain the gas station’s charm highlight the community’s growing interest in local historical narratives and the significance of the location.
Background on Sav Savané
A native of Guinea, Savané moved to the United States in the 1990s after marrying an American Peace Corps volunteer, Rachel. He opened Sav’s Grill to share West African cuisine, featuring dishes such as Peanut Goat and Mafen. Initially, Savané balanced running his restaurant with a job at UPS for a year and a half, illustrating his commitment to both his career and his culinary passions.
In 2014, Savané faced a significant setback when he suffered second-degree burns in a serious accident. The Lexington community responded with remarkable support, raising over $67,000 to help him through this challenging time. The campaign garnered considerable media attention, which not only helped financially but also increased public awareness of Savané’s situation and the restaurant itself.
Community Contributions and Future Plans
In addition to Sav’s Grill, Savané has opened Sav’s Chill, a homemade ice cream and gelato shop located directly across the street. His establishments aim to showcase the richness of Guinean culture and hospitality, ensuring that every customer feels welcomed as if they are part of an extended family. Savané also plans to incorporate a historical narrative into his restaurant’s identity by including a photograph of the original gas station on his menu, further connecting his culinary offerings with the site’s historical significance.
The discovery of the Gulf gas station’s remnants has reinvigorated interest in local history, with community members actively seeking to document and share the story of the site. Savané’s commitment to conserving historical elements not only honors the past but also provides a unique dining atmosphere reflective of Lexington’s heritage.
Conclusion
As Sav’s Grill prepares for its grand opening in early October, the intersection of history and culinary arts is set to create a distinctive experience for residents and visitors alike. Through his dedication and the support of the Lexington community, Sav Savané is not just revamping a restaurant but is also bringing to light a forgotten piece of local history while promoting the flavors and culture of Guinea.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Op-Ed Article
- WKYT News on Lexington Restaurant
- LEX 18 News on Small Business Saturday
- Visit Lex Guide on West Africa to Lexington
- Google Search: Sav Savané Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
