Sav's journey began in the vibrant heart of Guinea on Africa's west coast, where the aroma of his mother’s cooking and the laughter of his sisters shaped his culinary passion. It was in this rich tapestry of family and tradition that Sav honed his skills, dreaming of one day sharing his love for food with the world.
His life took a fateful turn when he met Rachel, a Peace Corps volunteer who had come to Guinea to make a difference. Their love story blossomed, and together they moved to Lexington, Kentucky where they started a family and built a life filled with dreams and hope.

 

In 2008, Sav's dream took its first tangible form when he opened his restaurant on South Limestone Street. For years, he poured his heart into cooking and grilling for family and friends, creating dishes that carried the essence of his homeland. Four years later, he ventured into the world of ice cream, opening Sav's Chill across the street from his restaurant, turning another dream into reality.

As time went by, the demands of managing both businesses led Sav to yearn for a place where his restaurant and ice cream shop could coexist harmoniously. Fate smiled upon him in December 2019 when he found a location on Main Street that offered the perfect blend of convenience and community reach, a place close to home that could welcome a broader audience.

But just three months later, the world changed. The pandemic struck, casting shadows over Sav's Restaurant & Gourmet Ice Cream. The business grappled with unprecedented challenges, relying on grants and community support to weather the storm. With heartfelt gratitude, Sav built a beautiful outdoor dining arbor and planted 17 trees in what had once been a concrete wasteland, transforming the space into Jake's Garden. This tribute to Jake Gibbs, a devoted customer and city council member who had been a guiding light, took on deeper meaning when Jake passed away unexpectedly in March 2020. The community rallied around Jake's Garden, raising funds and providing support in a testament to the bonds of friendship and loyalty.

By the summer of 2022, the weight of employee shortages and rising costs forced Sav to make a heart-wrenching decision. He chose to let the restaurant go, focusing instead on his other ventures. Sav's Piment habanero sauce and Sav's Vinaigrette continued to thrive, and Sav's Chill rebranded to Sav's Gourmet Ice Cream and expanded its reach, with wholesale accounts and the Sav's Chill Wagon bringing joy to festivals and private events.

Sav’s journey is one of resilience and passion, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft and his community. Through every twist and turn, his love for food and his deep connections with those around him have remained his guiding stars.